1) 5(m - 2) = 6(b - 2)
2) 6m = 7b or m = (7/6)b
substitute eq(2) into eq(1):
5((7/6)b - 2) = 6(b - 2)
(35/6)b - 10 = 6b - 12
(35/6)b - 10 = (36/6)b - 12
2 = (1/6)b
b = 12
using eq(2):
6m = 7(12)
m = 84/6 = 14
check using eq(1):
5(14 - 2) = 6(12 - 2)
60 = 60
Matthew is 14 years old, Belinda is 12 years old.