Ed and Ron’s Ages: A Math Question You Can Solve by Thinking

This video walks through a multiple-choice age word problem that looks like algebra — but doesn’t need it.
You’re told:
• Ed and Ron’s combined age is 39
• Ron’s age is 3 less than twice Ed’s age
The question is simple: How old are they?
Many students immediately try to set up equations, but this problem can also be solved using logic and common sense. In this lesson, we break it down step by step and show how to think clearly without overcomplicating the math.
Problems like this appear frequently on middle school exams, pre-algebra tests, GED, ASVAB, SAT, ACT, ACCUPLACER, and teacher certification exams — and they’re designed to test reasoning more than formulas.
Before watching — what ages would you choose?
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✅ What You’ll Learn
• How to interpret age word problems
• When algebra is helpful — and when it’s not
• How to reason through multiple-choice questions
• Common mistakes people make when rushing
• A smart strategy for test-day success
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👥 Who This Video Is For
• Middle & high school students
• Pre-algebra and Algebra 1 learners
• GED, ASVAB, SAT, ACT, ACCUPLACER prep
• Teacher certification candidates
• Homeschool students
• Adults relearning math
• Anyone who enjoys logic puzzles
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📚 Learn Math the Clear, Simple Way
Step-by-step instruction from a certified math teacher with decades of experience, trusted by students and adult learners worldwide:
👉 https://TCMathAcademy.com

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