document.write( "Question 690185: Maria is now 3 years younger than her sister, Ann. Four years ago, Maria's age was one-half Ann's age. How old s each girl now? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #426207 by DrBeeee(684)\"\" \"About 
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ALWAYS define variables to represent the unknowns.
\n" ); document.write( "THEN write equation(s) relating the variables to the problem statements.
\n" ); document.write( "THEN solve and check your answer.
\n" ); document.write( "Plesae do these steps to LEARN how to solve problems using ALGEBRA.
\n" ); document.write( "Ley A = Ann's present age
\n" ); document.write( "Let M = Maria's present age
\n" ); document.write( "The first sentence says
\n" ); document.write( "(1) M = A - 3
\n" ); document.write( "The second statemnt says
\n" ); document.write( "(2) M - 4 = (A - 4)/2
\n" ); document.write( "Do you agree?
\n" ); document.write( "Now solve (1) and (2) using substitution. Place (1) into (2) to get
\n" ); document.write( "(3) (A - 3) - 4 = (A - 4)/2 or
\n" ); document.write( "(4) A - 7 = (A - 4)/2
\n" ); document.write( "Now multiply both sides by 2 to get
\n" ); document.write( "(5) 2A - 14 = A - 4 or
\n" ); document.write( "(6) A = 14 - 4 or
\n" ); document.write( "(7) A = 10
\n" ); document.write( "Using (1) we get
\n" ); document.write( "(8) M = 10 - 3 or
\n" ); document.write( "(9) M = 7
\n" ); document.write( "Check the answers using (2).
\n" ); document.write( "Is (7 - 4 = (10 - 4)/2)?
\n" ); document.write( "Is (3 = 6/2)?
\n" ); document.write( "Is (3 = 3)? Yes
\n" ); document.write( "Answer: At the present time Ann is 10 years old and Maria is 7 years old.
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