SOLUTION: If mark is 4 times older than Noel next year and 2 times older in 3 years time. How old is Noel now?

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Question 1089909: If mark is 4 times older than Noel next year and 2 times older in 3 years time. How old is Noel now?
Found 2 solutions by Fombitz, josgarithmetic:
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Next year,
M%2B1=4%28N%2B1%29
M%2B1=4N%2B4
1.M-4N=3
and in three years,
M%2B3=2%28N%2B3%29
M%2B3=2N%2B6
2.M-2N=3
Subtract 2 from 1,
M-4N-%28M-2N%29=3-3
-2N=0
N=0
Either Noel was just born or there is a problem with the setup.
Repost if you need to.

Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
m, Mark
n, Noel


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If mark is 4 times older than Noel next year
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"is"; not 'will be'.

m=4%28n%2B1%29



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and 2 times older in 3 years time.
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m%2B3=2%28n%2B3%29

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Simplifying the second equation first,
m%2B3=2n%2B6
m=2n%2B3
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substitute for m,
4%28n%2B1%29=2n%2B3
4n%2B4=2n%2B3
2n%2B4=3
highlight%28n=-1%29 , ?

If the description was given correctly, and if the interpretation made is the right one, and if no arithmetic mistakes made, then Noel would have to be one year BEFORE being born.