L = Lawrence's age

J = Janet's age




L - 4 = 4 (J - 4)    four years ago

L + 2 = 3 (J + 2)    two years from now



L = 4J-12

L = 3J+4



Subtracting bottom eq from top eq:

0 = J+8 ==>  J=16  ==> L=52



Ans:  Lawrence is 52



Check:  Four years ago: Lawrence was 48, Janet was 12,  48=4*12  (ok)

        Two years from now: Lawrence will be 54, Janet will be 18,  54=3*18 (ok)



 

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