SOLUTION: This problem has me thoroughly stumped: "Mary is 3 years older than John. In three years John's age will be 4/5 of Mary's age. What are their ages now?"

Question 405061: This problem has me thoroughly stumped:
"Mary is 3 years older than John. In three years John's age will be 4/5 of Mary's age. What are their ages now?"
Answer by josmiceli(19441) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let = Mary's age now
Let = John's age now
given:
(1)
Next is an equation that compares their ages when they are both 3 yrs older
(2)
------------------------
(2)
(2)
(2)
and
(1)
Multiply both sides by and subtract
(2) from (1)
(1)
(2)

and, from(1):

Mary is 12 and John is 9
check answer:
(2)
(2)
(2)

OK
and, also
(1)
(1)

OK
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