Huilan is 15 years younger than Thomas. The sum of their ages is 33. What is Thomas's age?

h = t - 15

h + t = 33

Because we have a value of h, we can plug it into the second equation to solve for t.

t - 15 + t = 33

Add 15 to both sides.

t + t = 48

Combine like terms.

2t = 48

Divide both sides by 2.

t = 24

Thomas's age is 24.