Suri's situation can be modeled with a mathematical equation based on the information given. Since Suri is 17 years old, we can set up the equation based on her age, which is described as 'Suri's age is 4 less than 3 times her cousin's age'.
Let's define:
- Let c = cousin's age
According to the statement, we can express this in an equation:
17 = 3c - 4
Now, to find c (her cousin's age), we can follow these steps:
- Start with the equation: 17 = 3c - 4
- Add 4 to both sides: 17 + 4 = 3c
- This simplifies to: 21 = 3c
- Now, divide both sides by 3: c = 21 / 3
- So, c = 7
Therefore, Suri's cousin is 7 years old.
In this case, the correct method from the options provided is: Subtract 4 from 17, then divide by 3.