Lizzy: Michael has two brothers. His oldest brother is 1 year older than twice Michael's age when Michael was a year younger. His younger brother is 5 years old, which is a third of the age of the older brother. What is their combined age?.
Me: Hmmm, let me think. I think this is the detailed solution:
The oldest brother is 15 because 3 x 5 = 15. Michael is 8 because if 1 + (Michael's age - 1) x 2 = 15 then Michael's age = 8. Their combined age is 28 because 5 + 15 + 8 = 28. Final answer: 28.