Answer:
8 and 13 years old respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Let r = age of Rachael
Let m = age of Monica
M = r + 5 ..........equation 1
r + m = 21 ............equation 2
Substituting equation 1 into equation 2;
r + (r +5) = 21
r + r + 5 = 21
Simplifying the equation, we have;
2r + 5 = 21
2r = 21 - 5
2r = 16
r = 16/2 = 8
To find the value of m;
From equation 1;
m = r + 5
Substituting the value of r;
m = 8 + 5
m = 13.
Therefore, Rachael is 8 years old while Monica is 13.
