SOLUTION: Michael is 12 years older than Brandon. Seventeen years ago, Michael was 4 times as old as Brandon. How old is Michael now? Hi! i tried to and came out with m= b+ 12

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Question 1044042: Michael is 12 years older than Brandon. Seventeen years ago, Michael was 4 times as old as Brandon.
How old is Michael now?
Hi! i tried to and came out with
m= b+ 12 m being michael's age and B being Brandon's age
m= 4b + 17
I dont know where else to go with these. they could be wrong
thank you so much for your help!!
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, MathTherapy:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

NOW NOW-Described Seventeen Years Ago Michael m m=b+12 m-17 Brandon b b-17

What does the description say?
first sentence.

Second Sentence?
Michael WAS 4 times as old as Brandon.
WHEN? Seventeen years ago.
.

The system of equations is .

-
, through substitution from the first equation

-

Answer by MathTherapy(10552) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Michael is 12 years older than Brandon. Seventeen years ago, Michael was 4 times as old as Brandon.
How old is Michael now?
Hi! i tried to and came out with
m= b+ 12 m being michael's age and B being Brandon's age
m= 4b + 17
I dont know where else to go with these. they could be wrong
thank you so much for your help!!

m = b + 12 ----- Correct m = 4b + 17 ----- Incorrect
b = m - 12 ------- eq (i)
m - 17 = 4(b - 17) ------ eq (ii)
m - 17 = 4(m - 12 - 17) ----- Substituting m - 12 for b in eq (ii)
m - 17 = 4(m - 29)
m - 17 = 4m - 116
m - 4m = - 116 + 17
- 3m = - 99
m, or Michael is: