The sum of the ages of Monica and her mother is 70. Monica is 4 less than 1/2 her mother's age. Find their ages.
I've been trying to do this for the past 20 minutes. I think the question is wrong, but try for yourself. Help please!
monica = m
mother = M
m+M = 70
m = 1/2 M - 4
m = 62/3
M = 148/3
while the solution is algebraically correct, it is a bit unusual for the typical age problem. There may well be a mistake in the question.
If their sum is 71, then the ages are 21 and 50.
But the problem says the sum of the ages is 70. And yeah, it is what you could call "unusual." It's really confusing.
I think that maybe the question was just typed wrong, and I'm going to ask about it on Tuesday. Thanks for the help, though! At least I know how to do the equation, at least.
To solve this problem, let's use algebraic equations.
Let's assume Monica's age as 'M' and her mother's age as 'M + 4'. Here's why - the problem states that Monica is 4 years less than half her mother's age.
So, we have the following equations:
1) M + (M + 4) = 70 (The sum of their ages is 70)
2) M = (1/2)(M + 4) - 4 (Monica is 4 years less than half her mother's age)
Let's solve them step by step:
From equation 1:
2M + 4 = 70
2M = 66
M = 33
Now, let's substitute the value of M into equation 2:
33 = (1/2)(33 + 4) - 4
33 = (1/2)(37) - 4
33 = 18.5 - 4
33 = 14.5
This equation doesn't hold true. Therefore, it seems there might be an error in the question or a contradiction in the problem's setup.
I recommend double-checking the given question and the information provided. If you still have doubts, it's best to consult the source of the problem or your teacher for clarification.