SOLUTION: Two years ago,Jernie was three times as old as his sister,Cecile.In 4 years,he will be only twice his sister’s age.Find their present ages.

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Question 1110802: Two years ago,Jernie was three times as old as his sister,Cecile.In 4 years,he will be only twice his sister’s age.Find their present ages.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +a+ = J's age now
Let +b+ = C's age now
-------------------------------
(1) +a+-+2+=+3%2A%28+b+-+2+%29+
(2) +a+%2B+4+=+2%2A%28+b+%2B+4+%29+
-------------------------------
(1) +a+-+2+=+3b+-+6+
(1) +a+-+3b+=+-4+
and
(2) +a+%2B+4+=+2b+%2B+8+
(2) +a+-+2b+=+4+
-------------------------------
Subtract (1) from (2)
(2) +a+-+2b+=+4+
(1) +-a+%2B+3b+=+4+
-----------------------------
+b+=+8+
and
(2) +a+-+2b+=+4+
(2) +a+-+2%2A8+=+4+
(2) +a+=+4+%2B+16+
(2) +a+=+20+
-------------------------
J is 20
C is 8
---------------------
check:
(1) +a+-+2+=+3%2A%28+b+-+2+%29+
(1) +20+-+2+=+3%2A%28+8+-+2+%29+
(1) +18+=+3%2A6+
(1) +18+=+18+
OK
You can check (2)