document.write( "Question 175973: I have a question over a worksheet I was given, my dad and I are stuck on how to set it up. It is over using the system of linear equations to find the present age.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "QUESTION: In 1987, Joy was 3 times as old as Ali. If Ali was born 8 years after Joy, what age will each be in 1999?\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Please help. Thank You.
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Algebra.Com's Answer #131090 by Alan3354(69443)\"\" \"About 
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In 1987, Joy was 3 times as old as Ali. If Ali was born 8 years after Joy, what age will each be in 1999?
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\n" ); document.write( "a = Ali's age in 1999
\n" ); document.write( "j = Joy's age in 1999
\n" ); document.write( "j = a + 8 (Joy was born 8 years after)
\n" ); document.write( "In 1987:
\n" ); document.write( "j-12 = 3*(a-12) (Joy was 3x Ali's age 12 years ago)
\n" ); document.write( "j-12 = 3a-36
\n" ); document.write( "Sub a+8 for j
\n" ); document.write( "(a+8) - 12 = 3a-36
\n" ); document.write( "a-4 = 3a-36
\n" ); document.write( "-2a = -32
\n" ); document.write( "a = 16 (in 1999)
\n" ); document.write( "j = 24 (in 1999)\r
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