Question

The sum of Alex's height and Ben's height is 130 inches. Subtracting Alex's height from Ben's height yields one-third of Ben's height. How tall is Ben, in terms of inches?

Answer 1

Ben is 97.5 inches tall.

Alex is 32.5 inches tall.

Answer 2

Let Alex's height = a.

Let Ben'x height = b.

a + b = 130

b - a = b/3

Subtract b/3 from both sides int he second equation to obtain:

(2/3)b - a = 0

Add this new equation to the first original equation.

(5/3)b = 130

b = 130 * 3/5

b = 78

a + b = 130

a + 78 = 130

a = 130 - 78

a = 52

Answer: Alex's height is 52 inches, and Ben's height is 78 inches.