The difference between the ages of two friends is 2 years. The sum of their ages is 74 years. Find the age of the older friend. (Points : 1)
38
36
39
37
74/2 = 37
The older friend must be a year older than 37.
To solve this problem, we can set up a system of equations with two variables.
Let's represent the age of the older friend as x and the age of the younger friend as y.
From the given information, we know that the difference between their ages is 2 years. So, we can write the equation:
x - y = 2
We also know that the sum of their ages is 74 years. So, we can write the equation:
x + y = 74
Now, we have a system of two equations. We can solve this system by using the method of substitution or elimination.
Let's solve it using the method of elimination:
Add the two equations together:
(x - y) + (x + y) = 2 + 74
2x = 76
Divide both sides of the equation by 2:
2x/2 = 76/2
x = 38
So, the age of the older friend is 38 years.
Therefore, the correct answer is 38.