Math problem - help!

[Lorix2]

I just cannot figure this out, she came to me for help. I feel so dumb! This is one of my DD's math problems for homework, why can't I get this??:

Amelia is 2 years older than Nicholas. The sum of their ages is 20. How old is each child?




Please help me explain it the answer to her

 

[Serena]

9 and 11

 

[Serena]

If both ages equal 20 then you just have to figure out what two numbers equal 20 that are only 2 numbers apart.
I start at 10 and go from there.

 

[Lorix2]

thank you Serena, your a doll! I can't believe it was that easy. This was the last one of 20 of these she did last night. We were out late celebrating a great progress report, shopping, etc and my mind was mush when we got home..

thanks again

 

[becka]

Nicholas is x years old
Amelia is x + 2 years old

Since the sum of their ages is 20 you have:

x + (x+2) = 20
x + x + 2 = 20
2x + 2 = 20
2x = 18
x=9

Nicholas is 9 and Amelia is 11.

 

[Serena]

No problem at all.

 

[Lorix2]

thank you too Becka! She's been writing this out write now before the bus, we're a little frazzled this morning that's why I had to reach out to you DIS buddies.

Have a great day Serena & Becka

 

[Serena]

Remember what Becka wrote. It'll help later on.