SOLUTION: Malome is presently half his brother's age. Five years ago his age and his brother's age added up to 26. What is Malome's present age.?

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Question 440105: Malome is presently half his brother's age. Five years ago his age and his brother's age added up to 26. What is Malome's present age.?
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, ewatrrr:
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Malome is presently half his brother's age. Five years ago his age and his brother's age added up to 26. What is Malome's present age.?
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Equations:
m = (1/2)b
(m-5)+(b-5) = 26
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Substitute for "m" and solve for "b":
(1/2)b -5 + b-5 = 26
(3/2)b - 10 = 26
(3/2)b = 36
b = (2/3)36
b = 24 yrs (Brother's age now)
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Solve for "m"
m = (1/2)b
m = 12 yrs (Malcolm's age now)
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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Answer by ewatrrr(24785) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Hi
Malome is presently half his brother's age
Let x and 2x represent Malome and his brother's ages NOW
Question states***5 years ago...
(x-5) + (2x - 5) = 26
3x = 36
x = 12, Malome's age NOW. His brother is 24. (2*12)
CHECKING our Answer***5 years ago...
7 + 19 = 26