document.write( "Question 887089: Joe is ten years older than James. In eight years, twice Joe's age will equal three times James's age. How old is each at present? \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #536368 by JulietG(1812) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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J = M + 10 (let M be James; why texts try to mess people up with similar names is beyond me).
\n" ); document.write( "2(J+8) = 3(M+8)
\n" ); document.write( "Distribute
\n" ); document.write( "2J + 16 = 3M + 24
\n" ); document.write( "Substitute the value of J from the first equation into the last.
\n" ); document.write( "2J + 16 = 3M + 24
\n" ); document.write( "2(M+10) + 16 = 3M + 24
\n" ); document.write( "Distribute
\n" ); document.write( "2M + 20 + 16 = 3M + 24
\n" ); document.write( "2M + 36 = 3M + 24
\n" ); document.write( "Subtract 2M from each side
\n" ); document.write( "36 = M + 24
\n" ); document.write( "Subtract 24 from each side
\n" ); document.write( "12 = M
\n" ); document.write( ".
\n" ); document.write( "If James is (12), then Joe is (22)
\n" ); document.write( "In 8 years, James will be 20 and Joe will be 30
\n" ); document.write( "Twice Joe's future age (30*2) is indeed 3x James' future age (20*3) \n" ); document.write( "

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