SOLUTION: The sum of the ages of Nicole and Kristen is 32. In 2 years, Nicole will be 3 times as old as Kristen. How old are they now? with solution

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Question 1142654: The sum of the ages of Nicole and Kristen is 32. In 2 years, Nicole will be 3 times as old as Kristen. How old are they now? with solution
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +a+ = Nicole's age now
Let +b+ = Kristen's age now
-----------------------------------
(1) +a+%2B+b+=+32+
(2) +a+%2B+2+=+3%2A%28+b+%2B+2+%29+
-----------------------------------
(2) +a+%2B+2+=+3b+%2B+6+
(2) +a+-+3b+=+4+
-----------------------------------
Subtract (2) from (1)
(1) +a+%2B+b+=+32+
(2) +-a+%2B+3b+=+-4+
--------------------------
+4b+=+28+
+b+=+7+
and
(1) +a+%2B+7+=+32+
(1) +a+=+25+
--------------------------
Nicole is 25
Kristen is 7
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check:
(2) +a+%2B+2+=+3%2A%28+b+%2B+2+%29+
(2) +25+%2B+2+=+3%2A%28+7+%2B+2+%29+
(2) +27+=+3%2A9+
(2) +27+=+27+
OK