SOLUTION: adam is 5 year younger than eve. in one year eve will be three times the age of adam was four years ago. how old is adam? how old is eve?

If you need immediate math help from PAID TUTORS right now, click here. (paid link)
Click here to see ALL problems on Age Word Problems

Question 174820: adam is 5 year younger than eve. in one year eve will be three times the age of adam was four years ago. how old is adam? how old is eve?
Answer by actuary(112) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = Adam's current age
Let y = Eve's current age
So currently, x = y-5
In one year, y+1=3*(x-4)
Rearranging the equations we have
-y+x=-5
y-3*x=-1-12=-13
So the two equations are
-y+x=-5 (Equation #1)
y-3*x=-13 (Equation #2)
Add the two equations to eliminate "y"
-y+y+x-3*x=-5-13
-2*x = -18
Therefore, x = 9
Substituting x = 9 into equation #2
y -3*x = -13 (Solve for y)
y -3*9 = -13 Set x = 9
y -27 = -13
Therefore, y=14
Using the graphical method as a check