verbial problem?

Question

how do you solve a verbial problem in math? example?... :) thanks ...

Answer 1

John is 5 years older than Bob. The sum of their ages is 15.
How old is Bob, if Jack is 12 years old?

First read the problem carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked and what information is given to you. Decide what info is pertinent and what information is not required or useful.

You are being asked to find Bob's age so that is the unknown. So
Let x = Bob's age.
Then John's age must be x=5.
The sum of their ages is x + x + 5 =2x+5
But the sum of their ages is 15 , so
2x+5 = 15
2x = 10
x = 5 = Bob's age.
The info that Jack is 12 years old has nothing to do with the solution and was not needed.

Finally, check your answer to make sure it is correct.