Lyle, Katrina, and Mari have a combined age of 66 years. Their ages are three consecutive, even numbers. Let x represent the age of Lyle.

Question

Write an equation that can be used to determine the age, x, of Lyle.

Answer 1

Let the ages of Lyle, Katrina, and Mari be represented as follows:

• Lyle's age: \( x \)
• Katrina's age: \( x + 2 \) (the next consecutive even number)
• Mari's age: \( x + 4 \) (the next consecutive even number after Katrina)

Since their combined age is 66 years, you can set up the following equation:

\[ x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 66 \]

Now, you can simplify the equation:

\[ x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 66 \]

\[ 3x + 6 = 66 \]

This equation can be used to determine the age \( x \) of Lyle.