Mary is 5 years older than Bob. If the sum of their ages is 39, write and solve an equation to find their ages

Bob is 17 years old

Mary is 22 years old

Step-by-step explanation:

Mary's current age: m

Bob's current age: b

m + b = 39

m = b + 5

Substitute.

b + 5 + b = 39

2b + 5 = 39

2b = 34

b = 17

m = 22