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AlgebraEasyOlder brother's age

Algebra practice question

Two brothers' ages add up to 7 years and differ by 1 year. How old is the older brother?

Answer: 4

x + y = 7 and x − y = 1; adding gives 2x = 8, so x = 4.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 3
3 is the younger brother.
If you answered 6
6 subtracts 1 from 7 without halving.
If you answered 3.5
3.5 halves 7, ignoring the difference.

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