Please help!! Math Troubles!!?

Question

Plleaes help me out :)

Solve the following problem.Make sure to display the following steps.

i) define varibles

ii) wrtie an equation

iii) solve for X

iv) write a closing statement

Joe is 3 times older than Natasha. The sum o their ages is 28

How old is each person?

Thanks :)

Answer 1

Variables can be J for Joe's age and N for Natasha [where is Boris?].

You have two unknowns, so you will need two equations to solve for them.  The problem statement gives us these..

1)  "Joe is 3 times older than Natasha":

J = 3*N

2)  "The sum of their ages is 28":

J + N = 28

Solve however you wish, but the answer is:

Joe is 21 and Natasha is 7.

(You didn't think I would do all the work for you, did you? =)  )

Answer 2

X = Joe, Y = Natasha

X = 3Y and X + Y = 28

substitute X for 3Y, giving you 3Y + Y = 28 where Y = 7

therefore, X = 21

Answer 3

If Natasha's age is defined by x, Joe's age is defined by 3x

Natasha: x

Joe: 3x

The sum of their ages is 28. So Natasha's age + Joe's age = 28.

Therefore x+3X=28.

4x=28

x=7.

3x=21

Natasha, whose age is represented by the variable x, is 7 years old.

Joe, whose age is represented by the variable 3x, is 21 years old.