SOLUTION:

Question 937492:
Answer by ptaylor(2198) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Mary's age is 2/3 that of Peter's . two years ago Mary's age was. 1/2 of what Peter's age will be in 5 years' time . how old is Peter now ?
Let x=Peter's age; x+5=peter's age in 5 years
Then(2/3)x=Mary's age (2/3)x-2=Mary's age 2 years ago
Sooooo our equation to solve is:
(2/3)x-2=(1/2)(x+5) Multiply each term by 6 to get rid of fractions
4x-12=3x+15
x=27 yo-----------Peter's age now
CK
(2/3)(27)=18----Mary's age now
In 5 years Peter willbe 27+5=32
2 years ago, Mary was18-2=16
16 =(1/2)(32) ----OK
Does this help?------ptaylor