Question

Question #31638

Answer 1

The sum is 27 years of age.

Explanation:

We know that `v+2c=39` and `2v+c=42`

We use elimination to solve this.
We make sure that v in both equations share the same coefficient.
`v+2c=39` becomes
`2v+4c=78` by multiplying the equation by 2.

We now subtract the equations.

`2v+4c=78`
`2v+c=42`
`3c=36`
`c=12`
Plug this to one of the equations to get v=15.
Add them to get 27.