SOLUTION: how do you solve equations involing ages? for exampe: Tom is 4 years older than Jerry.Nine years ago,Tom was 5 times as old as Jerry was then. How old is each now? thank you

Question 344821: how do you solve equations involing ages? for exampe:
Tom is 4 years older than Jerry.Nine years ago,Tom was 5 times as old as Jerry was then. How old is each now?
thank you
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Tom is 4 years older than Jerry.Nine years ago,Tom was 5 times as old as Jerry was then. How old is each now?
------
Equations:
T = J+4
(T-9) = 5(J-9)
----
Substitute for "T" and solve for "J":
(J+4-9) = 5J-45
----
J-5 = 5J-45
J = 5J - 40
---
4J = 40
J = 10 yrs (Jerry's age now)
----
Since T = J+4, T = 14 yrs (Tom's age now)
=============================================
Cheers,
Stan H.
==============
RELATED QUESTIONS
Tom is 4 years older than jerry. nine years ago, tom was 5 times as old as jerry was... (answered by ewatrrr)

Tom is 4 years older than Jerry. Nine years ago, Tom was 5 times as old as Jerry was... (answered by edjones)

Tom is 4 years older than Jerry. 9 years ago tom was 5x as old as Jerry was then. How... (answered by longjonsilver)

Please help my son with this word problem. I have tried and cannot. I would really... (answered by checkley71)

In ten years time Tom will be twice as old as Sally. Eight years ago Tom was 5 times... (answered by mananth)

Two years ago, tom is twice as old as jerry. In 2 years, tom is five years older than... (answered by josgarithmetic,ikleyn)

Tom is 5 years older than Jerry. In 2 years,Jerry will be three fourths as old as tom.... (answered by ewatrrr)

Tom is 4 years older than Jerry. In 2 years Jerry will be half as old as Tom. Find their... (answered by Cromlix)

tom is 4 years older than jerry. in 2 years, jerry will be halfas old as tom. find their... (answered by josmiceli)