Age Problem: Emily and her mother

easyGrade 3-5age difference

The Problem

Emily is 13 years old. Her mother is 5 years younger than Emily. How old is her mother?

Answer:

8 years old

Key Information

  • Emily is 13 years old
  • her mother is 5 years younger

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Identify the given information

Emily's age = 13 years, Age difference = 5 years
2

Set up the equation

her mother's age = Emily's age - 5
3

Substitute values

her mother's age = 13 - 5
4

Calculate

13 - 5 = 8
5

Final answer

her mother is 8 years old

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Adding instead of subtracting the age difference
  • Confusing who is older or younger

Helpful Tips

  • Read the problem carefully to identify who is older
  • Subtract when someone is younger, add when they are older

Real-World Application

Age problems help understand relationships between ages and develop subtraction skills.

Related Topics:

agesubtractionword problemsbasic math

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