Which of these describes an exothermic reaction?
a. energy is created in the reaction
b. energy is released by the reaction
c. energy is absorbed by the reaction
d. no energy is transferred by the reaction.

linda: 3 ; laura: 15

step-by-step explanation:

note that linda + laura's age is 18, and that linda is 12 years younger than her sister.

let "linda" = x , "laura" = y:

x + y = 18

x = y - 12

first, plug in y - 12 for x in the first equation:

(y - 12) + y = 18

simplify.

2y - 12 = 18

isolate the variable (y). note the equal sign, what you do to one side, you do to the other. do the opposite of pemdas. first add, then divide.

2y - 12 (+12) = 18 (+12)

2y = 18 + 12

2y = 30

(2y)/2 = (30)/2

y = 30/2

y = 15

next, plug in 15 for y in the second equation (the other equation would work too).

x = y - 12

x = (15) - 12

x = 3

linda's age is 3, laura's age is 15.

~

- decrease the number of plants and animals living in the water.