SOLUTION: Seven years ago, Tom was 5 times as old as Betty was. Four years ago, Tom was only 3 times as old as Betty was. Find the present age of each person. I really need help to set

Question 929180: Seven years ago, Tom was 5 times as old as Betty was. Four years ago, Tom was only 3 times as old as Betty was. Find the present age of each person.
I really need help to set up the equation. I tried ;
T-7=5(b-7)
T-4=3(b-4)
But when I went to solve the answer was totally off. Please help asap!
Answer by Alan3354(69443) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Seven years ago, Tom was 5 times as old as Betty was. Four years ago, Tom was only 3 times as old as Betty was. Find the present age of each person.
I really need help to set up the equation. I tried ;
T-7=5(b-7)
T-4=3(b-4)
====================
Your equations are good.
T-7=5(b-7)
T-4=3(b-4)
-----
t-7 = 5b-35
t = 5b - 28
----
t-4 = 3b-12
t = 3b - 8
==================
t = 5b - 28
t = 3b - 8
Since both RH sides = t
5b - 28 = 3b - 8
2b = 20
b = 10
---
t = 22
RELATED QUESTIONS
Tom's father is three times as old as Tom. Four years ago Tom's father was four times as... (answered by AnlytcPhil)

In 5 years, Tom will be twice as old as Cindy. 13 years ago, he was three times as old as (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

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

Today, Jim is Twice as old as his brother Tom. Four years ago he was three times as old... (answered by josgarithmetic,MathTherapy,ikleyn)

Tom is 4 years older than jerry. nine years ago, tom was 5 times as old as jerry was... (answered by ewatrrr)

Carl is 6 years older than tom. Six years ago carl was 3 times as old as tom. How old are (answered by stanbon)

Phil is 3 times as old as Tom. 5 years ago, the sum of their ages was 34. How old is... (answered by jorel555)

Tom's father is 3 times as old as Tom. 4 years ago, he was 4 times older. How old is... (answered by chitra)

three years ago,jim was three times as old as tom was then.In fie years,jim will be twice (answered by scott8148)