SOLUTION: Miriam is four years older than Ricardo. Ten years ago, Miriam was 3 times as old as Ricardo was then. How old are they now? Set up an equation and solve. Please help! :)

Question 219958: Miriam is four years older than Ricardo. Ten years ago, Miriam was 3 times as old as Ricardo was then. How old are they now? Set up an equation and solve.
Please help! :)
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let m = Mariam's present age
Let r = Ricardo's present age
:
Write an equation for each statement:
:
"Miriam is four years older than Ricardo."
m = r + 4
:
" Ten years ago, Miriam was 3 times as old as Ricardo was then. "
m - 10 = 3(r - 10)
m - 10 = 3r - 30
m = 3r - 30 + 10
m = 3r - 20
:
Substitute (r+4) for m in the above equation
r + 4 = 3r - 20
4 + 20 = 3r - r
24 = 2r
r =
r = 12 yr is R's present age
then
m = 12 + 4
m = 16 is M's present age
;
;
Check solution in the statement:
" Ten years ago, Miriam was 3 times as old as Ricardo was then."
16 - 10 = 3(12 - 10)

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