Question

If Leah is 6 years older than Sue, and John is 5 years older than Leah, and the total of their ages is 41. Then how old is Sue? How do you know what and, is, and older mean in mathematical terms?

Answer 1

Since Leah is mentioned twice, let's define her age as x yrs.
then Sue is x-6
and John is x+5

so x + x-6 + x+5 = 41
3x = 42
x = 14

Leah is 14
Sue is 8
John is 19

Answer 2

s + s + 6 + s + 11 = 41

3s + 17 = 41

3s = 41 - 17
3s = 24
s = 8

Sue is 8
Leah is 14
John is 19