SOLUTION: Scott is four times older than Beth. In six years from now Scott will only be three times older than Beth. Write down equation to describe the relationship between their ages. Now
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Question 1117978: Scott is four times older than Beth. In six years from now Scott will only be three times older than Beth. Write down equation to describe the relationship between their ages. Now solve the equation to find out how old each of them is now Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, ikleyn:Answer by Alan3354(69443) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Scott is four times older than Beth. In six years from now Scott will only be three times older than Beth. Write down equation to describe the relationship between their ages. Now solve the equation to find out how old each of them is now
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Now:
S = 5B
In 6 years:
S + 6 = 3*(B + 6)
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Sub for C
5B + 6 = 3B + 18
2B = 12
B = 6
S = 30
In English, "four times older than . . . " means "five times as old as . . . ".
Also, "three times older than . . . " means "four times as old as . . . ".
Therefore, the correct solution is as follows:
S = 5B. (1)
S + 6 = 4*(B+6). (2)
It is your starting system of two equations, which is the literal translation of the condition to Math.
To solve the system, substitute (1) into equation (2), replacing S. You will get a single equation for B
5B + 6 = 4*(B+6).
Simplify and solve it for B:
5B + 6 = 4B + 24
B + 6 = 24
B = 24 - 6 = 18.
Answer. Beth is 18 years old. Scott is 5*B = 5*18 = 90 years old.
