SOLUTION: Sam is three times as old as Steve. In 8 years, he will be twice as old.

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Question 1129766: Sam is three times as old as Steve. In 8 years, he will be twice as old.
Found 2 solutions by ikleyn, Edwin McCravy:
Answer by ikleyn(52792) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
Thx for letting us know.


Answer by Edwin McCravy(20056) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Obviously you wanted to know the age of each.  Ikleyn knew that was what
you wanted.  She just wanted to impress upon you to be careful to
state the whole problem, not just part of it.

Let X = Sam's age
Let Y = Steve's age.

Sam is three times as old as Steve. 
X = 3Y

In 8 years, he (Sam) will be twice as old (as Steve).
Sam's age in 8 years = X+8
Steve's age in 8 years = Y+8

X+8 = 3(Y+8)

The system of equations is

X = 3Y
X+8 = 2(Y+8)

Substitute 3Y for X in:   X+8 = 2(Y+8)

3Y+8 = 2(Y+8)

Solve for Y. That will be Steve's age.
Then multiply that by 3 to get Sam's age.

Edwin