Jill, Meg, and Beth are sisters. Jill is 2 years younger than Meg. Beth is half as old as Meg. Use the same variable to write three algebraic expressions based on this situation. Tell what the variable represents and what each expression represents.

Answer 1

Let x = Meg's age

According to the problem, Jill is 2 years younger than Meg:
Let x - 2 = Jill's age

And it was also said that Beth is half as old as Meg:
Let (1/2)x = Beth's age

Answer 2

x - 2= Meg

(1/2)x = Beth