Answer :

systems of equations is the easiest way to solve this

i used x for sarahs age and y for pauls

first equation we have paul is 8 years less than 5 times sarahs age.

5x-8=y

then we have the sum of their ages is 64
x+y=64

I want to solve so that we can replace x with a y term so i took the second equation and made it x=64-y

then replace it
5(64-y)-8=y
320-5y-8=y
312-5y=y
312=6y
y=52

plug in for y to either equation

5x-8=52

60=5x

x=12

now double check it

is 52+12=64 ? true

is 52 8 less than 5 times sarahs age?

52 is eight less than 60

so paul is 52

sarah is 12

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