Chris is 3 years older than Jacob. Nathan is eighteen years old. Two years ago the sum of all their ages was 59 years old. How old is Jacob?

Jacob is 22

C = J + 3

N = 18

(N - 2) + (C - 2) + (J - 2) = 59 (This occurs 2 years ago, we subtract 2 from all)

(18 - 2) + (J + 3 - 2) + (J - 2) = 59

16 + J + 1 + J - 2 = 59

2J + 15 = 59

2J = 44

J = 22

C=J+3

N=18

two years ago the sum of their ages was 59

(c-2) + (J-2) + (N-2) = 59

(J+3-2) + (J-2) + (18-2) = 59

J=22