SOLUTION: James is 4 years older than Paul. In two years their ages will total 50. How old is James now?

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Question 1052748: James is 4 years older than Paul. In two years their ages will total 50. How old is James now?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +a+ = James' age now
Let +b+ = Paul's age now
-----------------------------
(1) +a+=+b+%2B+4+
(2) +a+%2B+2+%2B+b+%2B+2+=+50+
----------------------------
(2) +a+%2B+b+=+46+
and
(1) +a+-+b+=+4+
----------------------
Add (1) and (2)
+2a+=+50+
+a+=+25+
and
(2) +a+%2B+b+=+46+
92) +b+=+21+
--------------------
James is 25
Paul is 21
--------------
check:
+25+%2B+2+%2B+21+%2B+2+=+50+
+27+%2B+23+=+50+
+50+=+50+
OK