SOLUTION: 5 years ago, Jay was seven years older than Mary. In five years, Mary will be half as old as Jay (or Jay will be twice as old as Mary). How old is Mary now?

Question 557238: 5 years ago, Jay was seven years older than Mary. In five years, Mary will be half as old as Jay (or Jay will be twice as old as Mary). How old is Mary now?
Answer by bluemockingjay7(41) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
present age:
Mary = x
Jay = 2x
age 5 years ago:
Mary = x - 5
Jay = 2x - 5
Equation:
2x - 5 = 7(x - 5)
2x - 5 = 7x - 35
2x - 7x = -35 + 5
-5x = -30
-5x/5 = -30/-5
x = 7
present age:
Mary = 7
Jay = 2(7) = 14
age 5 years ago:
Mary = 7 - 5 = 2
Jay 14 - 5 = 9
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