SOLUTION: Phil is 24 years older than WIll. Four years ago he was seven times as old as WIll was then. FInd their ages now. I have tried guess and check and have found the answer but is

Question 741165: Phil is 24 years older than WIll. Four years ago he was seven times as old as WIll was then. FInd their ages now.
I have tried guess and check and have found the answer but is there a way to get the answer through using a formula? Thank you so much guys! After answering my question treat yourself to a nice warm cup of cocoa and pat your self on the back because you know you just helped a child at need. LOL. Thanks!! @_@
Answer by rapaljer(4671) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = Will's age now
x+24 = Phil's age now
x-4 = Will's age 4 years ago
x+24-4 = x+20 = Phil's age 4 years ago.

Here is the equation:

"Four years ago, Phil was 7 times as old as Will was 4 years ago."
x+20 = 7*(x-4)
x+20 = 7x -28
x-7x=-28-20
-6x=-48
x=8 = Will now
x+24 = 32 = Phil now

Check: Four years ago, Will was 4 and Phil was 28, which is 7 times Will's age.

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
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