SOLUTION: Steve is three and a half times as old as Robert. In 8 years, Robert’s age will be one half that of Steve’s. What are their present ages?

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Question 1154074: Steve is three and a half times as old as Robert. In 8 years, Robert’s age will be one half that of Steve’s. What are their present ages?
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20054) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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system%28S=expr%287%2F2%29R%2C2R%2B16=S%2B8%29

system%282S=7R%2C2R%2B16=S%2B8%29

system%282S=7R%2C2R%2B8=S%29

Solve by substitution.

You will get that Steve is 18 and 8 months and that Robert is 5 and 4 months.

That's a weird answer, going into months.  But it's correct.

Checking: 

Steve [who is 18 years 8 months] is three and a half times as old as Robert [who
is 5 years and 4 months]. 

If you multiply Robert's age, 5 years and 4 months, by 3 1/2, you get 17 1/2
years and 14 months. 17 1/2 years is 17 years and 6 months, so you get 17 years
and 14+6 months or 20 months. That means that Steve's age is 17 years and 20
months, which is 18 years and 8 months. That checks.

In 8 years, Robert’s age [which will be 13 years and 4 months] will be one half
that of Steve's age [which will be 26 years and 8 months].  And indeed 13 years
and 4 months is one half of 26 years and 8 months.

So it checks.  But their ages have to be taken to the month.  Or, maybe you
copied a number wrong somewhere.

Edwin