Question 1: The sum of the age of two sisters is 31. The younger sister was 3 years
younger than the older sibling five years ago. How old are they now?
Solution:
Let the age of two sisters x and y (Let us assume that y is younger sister).
Since sum of the age of two sisters is 31, So x + y = 31
x + y = 31 ............(1)
Five years ago:
The age of two sisters x - 5 and y - 5
Now
y - 5 = (x - 5) - 3
y - 5 = x - 8
or y = x - 3 ....(2)
Substitute the value of y in equation (1)
x + x - 3 = 31
2x = 34
or x = 17
Again substitute the value of x in equation (2)
y = 17 - 3 = 14
Therefore both the sisters are of 14 and 17.
Question 2: A rectangular shape garden is 1 feet longer than it is wide and has area of 90 sq feet. Find the dimensions of the garden.
Solution:
Let x be the width of the garden, so x + 1 is the length.
Area of garden = 90 sq. feet (given)
We know that, Area of rectangle = Length $\times$ Width
=> 90 = x(x + 1)
x$^2$ + x - 90 = 0 (which is quadratic equation)
Solve for x
x$^2$ + 10x - 9x - 90 = 0
x(x + 10) - 9(x + 10) = 0
(x - 9)(x + 10) = 0
=> x = 9 or x = -10
Length can not be negative, so neglect x = -10
So x = 9, is the width of the garden and 10 is the length of the rectangular garden.