Question

myrna is twice as old as her brother. if the sum of their ages is 24, how old is myrna?
22 years old
18 years old
14 years old
16 years old

Explanation:

Step1: Define variables

Let the brother's age be \( x \). Then Myrna's age is \( 2x \) (since she is twice as old as her brother).

Step2: Set up the equation

The sum of their ages is 24, so we have the equation \( x + 2x = 24 \).

Step3: Solve the equation

Combine like terms: \( 3x = 24 \). Then divide both sides by 3: \( x=\frac{24}{3}=8 \).

Step4: Find Myrna's age

Since Myrna's age is \( 2x \), substitute \( x = 8 \): \( 2\times8 = 16 \).

Answer:

16 years old