SOLUTION: How do you set up this word problem (& others like it)? A mother is eighteen years older than her son. She was three times as old as he was one year ago. How old are they now?

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Question 240097: How do you set up this word problem (& others like it)?
A mother is eighteen years older than her son. She was three times as old as he was one year ago. How old are they now?
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Let represent the mother's age. Let represent the son's age. Then the first thing we know is:



One year ago, mother was , and the son was , and the second thing we know is:



Now you have two 2-variable linear equations. Solve the system. The ordered pair will give you your answers.


John