SOLUTION: Three years ago Elaine was five times as old as Jerry. Today she is three times as old as Jerry. How old are Jerry and Elaine today?

Question 859636: Three years ago Elaine was five times as old as Jerry. Today she is three times as old as Jerry. How old are Jerry and Elaine today?
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Three years ago Elaine was five times as old as Jerry. Today she is three times as old as Jerry. How old are Jerry and Elaine today?
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Equations:
e-3 = 5(j-3)
e = 3j
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Substitute for "e" and solve for "j":
3j-3 = 5j-15
2j = 12
Jerry = 6 yrs (Jerry[s age now)
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Solve for "e":
e = 3j = 18 yrs (Elaine's age now)
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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