SOLUTION: I have a really hard time on getting the formula on word problems. I read them, understand what they are asking, I even get the answer but cannot seem to translate the words on to

Question 16343: I have a really hard time on getting the formula on word problems. I read them, understand what they are asking, I even get the answer but cannot seem to translate the words on to the paper in a form of a equation.
The problem I am having trouble on is:
"Batman is 20 years older then robin. In 4 years, Batman will be twice Robin age. How old are they now?"
I get..
Robin=x
Batman=20+x(Batman older by 20 years )
Batman=2(20+x)( Batman where he is twice as Robin)
The answer I get is that Batman is 36 right now, and Robin is 16, because in 4 years Batman is going to be 40, and Robin 20, Batman is TWICE Robin's age. 20x2=40...
Please help me in getting Enlgish translated into Algebra equation.

Answer by elima(1433) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
"Batman is 20 years older then robin. In 4 years, Batman will be twice Robin age. How old are they now?"
Robin=x
Batman=20+x(Batman older by 20 years )
Very good, you have this correct;
But you do not have the next eqution correct;
Batman will be twice Robin age;
In your equation you have Batmans age;
Batman=2(20+x)
It should be;
2x(Robins age)
Batman is 20 years older then robin,In 4 years,
20+x+4=
Batman will be twice Robin age.
2x
So our equation would be;
20+x+4=2x
x+24=2x
24=2x-x
24=x
So Robins age is 24;
Batmans age;
(24)+20=44
Now check;
20+(24)+4=2(24)
48=48
Hope you see where you went wrong, you were doing a good job though;
=)
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