SOLUTION: John is two times older than Mary. Mary is three times younger than Steve. How old is Steve if he is 3 years older than John?

Question 387104: John is two times older than Mary. Mary is three times younger than Steve. How old is Steve if he is 3 years older than John?
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, josmiceli:
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
John is two times older than Mary. Mary is three times younger than Steve. How old is Steve if he is 3 years older than John?
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Equations:
j = 2m
m = -3s
s = j+3
----
Solve:
s = j+3
s = 2m+3
s = 2(-3s)+3
s = -6s + 3
7s = 3
s = 3/7 year = 5.14 months (Steve's age)
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Cheers,
Stan H.

Answer by josmiceli(19441) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
given:
(1)
(2)
(3)
This is 3 equations and 3 unknowns, so it's solvable
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By substituting (1) into (2):

(2)

Put this into (3):

Steve is 9 years old
check answer:

and

These values check OK
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