SOLUTION: selma is now 3 times as old as joyce. four years ago, selma was 4 times as old as joyce was then. find their present ages.

Question 513480: selma is now 3 times as old as joyce. four years ago, selma was 4 times as old as joyce was then. find their present ages.

Answer by Maths68(1474) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let
Present age of Selma = s
Present age of Joyce = j

selma is now 3 times as old as joyce
s=3j........(1)
Four years ago,
s-4=j-4
then
Selma was 4 times as old as joyce
s-4=4(j-4)
s-4=4j-16
s=4j-16+4
s=4j-12.............(2)
Put the value of s in (2) from (1)
3j=4j-12
3j-4j=-12
-j=-12
Multiply by -1 both sides
j=12
Put the value of j in (1)
s=3j
s=3(12)
s=36
Present age of Selma = s = 36 years old
Present age of Joyce = j = 12 years old

RELATED QUESTIONS
jim is now three times as old as amy. four years ago, jim was seven times as old as amy... (answered by oberobic)

Igi is now twice as old as Roni's present age. Two years ago, Betty was three times as... (answered by stanbon,Edwin McCravy)

Mary is twice as old as Jane was when Mary was as old as Jane is now. In 3 years Mary... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

ten years ago, jane was four times as old as maria now she is only twice as old as maria. (answered by josmiceli)

Ten years ago John was four times as old as bill. now he is only twice as old as bill.... (answered by solver91311)

Melissa is 24 years younger than Joyce. In 2 years, Joyce will be 3 times as old as... (answered by josmiceli)

Melissa is 24 years younger than Joyce. In 2 years Joyce will be 3 times as old as... (answered by stanbon)

Melissa is 24 years younger than joyce. in 2 years, joyce will be 3 times as old as... (answered by checkley77)