Respuesta :
Elvira (e) is 5 years older than Morton (m)
e = m + 5
Morton (m) is twice as old as Michelle (c)
m = 2c
The combined total of their ages is 85
e + m + c = 85
We want m at the end so let's write everything in terms of m.
e = m + 5
c = m/2
85 = e + m + c = m+5 + m + m/2 = 5 + (5/2) m
m = (2/5) (85 - 5) = 32
Answer: 32 years old
Check:
That makes Elvira 37 and Michele 16, total 32+37+16=85, good
Answer:- Elvira is 37, Morton is 32 and Michelle is 16 years old.
Create some equations:-
Let Elvira's age be e , Morton's m years and Michelle's age = n years.
e + m + n = 85........... (1)
e - m = 5......................(2)
n = m/2
Substitute for n in the equation (1)
e + (3/2)m = 85........... (3)
Subtract equation (2) from equation 3:-
5/2 m = 80
m = 32
So e = m +5 = 37
and n = 32/2 = 16