I can answer this question, but I need to explain to our child how to solve it using the method requested, not an algebra solution. Child is becoming frustrated and confused while attempting to answer these questions. the instructions for solving, are try 3 numbers that add to the total with 2 numbers equal and the other 8 less then revise numbers till you get the answer. the question is: Jan, Mya And Sara ran a total of 64 miles last week. Jan and Mya ran the same number of miles. Sara ran 8 less miles than Jan and Mya. How many miles did Sara run?

OK, start with the total of 64.

pick any three numbers as stated. I will to these: 20,20, 12
They add to 52, not enough, but wse need, lets see, 64-52 is 12 more. Dividing that equally, that means we add 4 to each of the numbers: 24,24,16 Which add to 64.

Again, another example: We pick three numbers, 30,30, 22 They add to 82, which is 18 too much. So divide 18 by three, reduce each of those numbers by six, which is 24,24, 16

To help your child solve this question using the given method, let's break it down step by step:

Step 1: Start with three numbers that add up to the total miles (64) with two numbers being equal and the third number being 8 less than the others.

Your child can start by picking any number for Jan's and Mya's miles. Let's say they start with 20 miles each, accounting for a total of 40 miles. Now, they need to find the number of miles Sara ran.

Step 2: Revise the numbers until they get the correct answer.

Since Jan and Mya ran 20 miles each, the total is already 40 miles. To find the number of miles Sara ran, your child needs to subtract 8 from the total.

Total miles minus 8: 40 - 8 = 32.

Therefore, Sara ran 32 miles last week.

It's important to encourage your child to practice these steps and get comfortable with the method. As they become more familiar, they will be able to solve similar problems more easily.