document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=1199605>Question 1199605</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> The sun of Anna's age and Ben's age is 40.Two years ago, Anna was thrice as Ben. Find the Anna's age </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #833549 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=greenestamps><B>greenestamps(13200)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=greenestamps><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/cgi-bin/show-face.mpl?user=greenestamps><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=833549\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> <br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "You have received two responses, both showing a typical solution using two variables, and setting up the problem using the information exactly as given.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "Both solution methods are fine; however, the amount of work required to reach the final answer can be a lot less if you take the time to analyze the given information and set up the problem for solving using a single variable.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "Here is how I would set up and solve the problem.<r><BR>\n" );
document.write( "let x = Ben's age 2 years ago<BR>\n" );
document.write( "then 3x = Anna's age 2 years ago<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "The sum of their ages now is 40:<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "(x+2)+(3x+2) = 40<BR>\n" );
document.write( "4x+4 = 40<BR>\n" );
document.write( "4x = 36<BR>\n" );
document.write( "x = 9<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "ANSWER: Anna's age is 3x+2 = 29<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( " </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</TD></TR></TABLE>\n" );