SOLUTION: the sum of ages of fandi and ahmad is 38. seven years ago, fandi was three times as oldas ahmad. find their present ages.

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Question 808204: the sum of ages of fandi and ahmad is 38. seven years ago, fandi was three times as oldas ahmad. find their present ages.
Answer by JBarnum(2146) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
THE PROBLEM IS TALKING 7 YEARS IN THE PAST SO ALL PRESENT AGES MUST HAVE 7 YEARS DEDUCTED FROM THEM.
THE 2 EQUATIONS LOOK LIKE:
%28F-7%29%2B%28A-7%29=38
%28F-7%29=3%28A-7%29
DUE TO THE "WAS" IN THE SECOND SENTENCE THIS INDICATES THAT BOTH AGES ARE REFEREED TO 7 YEARS AGO. DON'T MISS THIS IMPORTANT WORD.
%28F-7%29%2B%28A-7%29=38
%28F%2BA-14%29=38
F%2BA=52
highlight%28F=52-A%29
%28F-7%29=3%28A-7%29
%2852-A%29-7=3A-21
66=4A
highlight_green%2816.5=A%29
F=52-%2816.5%29
highlight_green%28F=35.5%29