To solve this problem, follow these steps:
1. Identify the given information:
- Cole is 18 years old.
- Cole's age is 3 years less than his sister Tina's age.
2. Let's represent Tina's age by the variable [tex]\( t \)[/tex].
3. Based on the problem statement, we can create an equation:
- Since Cole's age is 3 years less than Tina's, we have: [tex]\( t - 3 \)[/tex].
- Cole's current age is 18, so the equation will be:
[tex]\[
t - 3 = 18
\][/tex]
4. To find Tina's age ([tex]\( t \)[/tex]), solve the equation:
[tex]\[
t - 3 = 18
\][/tex]
Add 3 to both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[
t - 3 + 3 = 18 + 3
\][/tex]
Simplify:
[tex]\[
t = 21
\][/tex]
So, the correct equation is [tex]\( t - 3 = 18 \)[/tex] and Tina is 21 years old.
Thus, the correct answer is:
A. The equation that represents this situation is [tex]\( t - 3 = 18 \)[/tex]. Tina is 21.
