SOLUTION: Alfred is three times as old as his brother, and 6 years ago the sum of their ages was equal to Alfreds present age. how old is each? my teacher said to use elimination but i do

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Question 464448: Alfred is three times as old as his brother, and 6 years ago the sum of their ages was equal to Alfreds present age. how old is each?
my teacher said to use elimination but i dont know if thats possible, although if it is thats great, if not then just show me the solution its possible with :) thank you

Answer by jorel1380(3719)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let a=Alfred and b=his brother
a=3b
a=(a-6)+(b-6)
3b=3b-6+b-6
3b=4b-12
b=12
a=36
Alfred is 36 and his brother is 12..

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