Age Problem: Sarah and her mother

easyGrade 3-5age difference

The Problem

Sarah is 19 years old. Her mother is 3 years younger than Sarah. How old is her mother?

Answer:

16 years old

Key Information

  • Sarah is 19 years old
  • her mother is 3 years younger

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Identify the given information

Sarah's age = 19 years, Age difference = 3 years
2

Set up the equation

her mother's age = Sarah's age - 3
3

Substitute values

her mother's age = 19 - 3
4

Calculate

19 - 3 = 16
5

Final answer

her mother is 16 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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