A is 3 years older than B. If the sum of their ages is 27, how old is B?

A is 3 years older than B. If the sum of their ages is 27, how old is B?

Correct Answer: 12

Step 1: Let B's age be represented by the variable x.
Step 2: Since A is 3 years older than B, we can express A's age as x + 3.
Step 3: The problem states that the sum of their ages is 27. We can write this as an equation: x + (x + 3) = 27.
Step 4: Simplify the equation: Combine like terms to get 2x + 3 = 27.
Step 5: Subtract 3 from both sides of the equation: 2x = 27 - 3, which simplifies to 2x = 24.
Step 6: Divide both sides by 2 to solve for x: x = 24 / 2, which gives x = 12.
Step 7: Therefore, B's age is 12.

Algebraic Equations – The question tests the ability to set up and solve a simple algebraic equation based on relationships between variables.
Age Problems – The question involves understanding how to express age relationships and sums in algebraic form.