Matt is five years older than twice his cousin andy’s age. the sum of their ages is less than 35. let x represent andy's age.

Andy maximal age= 13.3
Matt maximal age= 21.7

I will translate the problem into 2 equation where X is Andy's age and Y is Matt's age.
Y+5= 2X
Y= 2X-5

X+Y<35

From this equation, it is clear that you won't be able to find their age. But you can find maximal age of Andy and Matt by changing X+Y<35 into X+Y=35

Inserting the first equation to the second equation you will get:
X+Y=35
X+ (2X-5)=35
3X= 35+5=40
X=13.3

X+Y=35
13.3+Y=35
Y= 21.7

First step is to get rid of the square root. remember that a square root is the same as raising to the (1/2) power. see below: multiply exponents per exponent rules to get: remember you subtract exponents from the denominator and add exponents in the numerator so: simplify further: so a is the correct choice. if you don't understand this google exponent rules and it will you understand. look at the image results.