SOLUTION: The sum of the ages of clarence and his father is 39. After four years,his father's age would be one less than 5 times his age . What are their present ages?

Question 1145067: The sum of the ages of clarence and his father is 39. After four years,his father's age would be one less than 5 times his age . What are their present ages?

Found 2 solutions by josmiceli, ikleyn:
Answer by josmiceli(19441) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let = Clarence's age now
Let = his father's age now
------------------------------------------
(1)
(2)
------------------------------------------
(2)
(2)
(2)
Add (1) and (2)

and
(1)
(1)
--------------------------
Clarence is 4
His father is 35
--------------------------
check:
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
OK

Answer by ikleyn(52787) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

When you repeat the word "his" two times in a row in a phrase,

as you do it in this phrase "After four years, his father's age would be one less than 5 times his age."

it becomes unclear to whom the second "his" does relate.

Keep it in your mind when you will create a problem on your own next time . . .

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