SOLUTION: The ages of the two brothers are in the ratio of 5:4. Four years ago their ages were in the ration of 11:8, find their present ages.

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Question 9386: The ages of the two brothers are in the ratio of 5:4. Four years ago their ages were in the ration of 11:8, find their present ages.
Answer by mathmaven53(29) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let the brothers ages be x and y
x/y = 5/4
Four years ago their ages were x-4 and y-4
(x-4)/(y-4) = 11/8
Cross multiply terms in each equation and simplify
We get 4x - 5y = 0
8x - 11y = -12
Solving gives x = 15 and y = 12
The brothers ages are 15 and 12