It is good to take some time to analyze the problem to figure out the easiest way to solve the problem, rather than starting with direct translations of the given information into algebraic equations.
I think the following path to the answer is far easier (and faster) than the method shown by the other tutor -- primarily because it requires only a single variable and thus a single equation.
let x = Mae's age 5 years ago
then 2x = Nora's age 5 years ago
Then
x+5 = Mae's age now
2x+5 = Nora's age now
Twice Mae's age, added to Nora's age, is 35:
ANSWERS:
Mae's current age is x+5=10
Nora's current age is 2x+5 = 15
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Twice Mae's age added to Nora's age is 35. Five years ago, Nora was twice as old as Mae was then. Find the current age of each.
Let Mae's age be M
Then, 2M + Nora's age = 35 ======> Nora = 35 - 2M
We then get: 35 - 2M - 5 = 2(M - 5)
30 - 2M = 2M - 10
- 2M - 2M = - 10 - 30
- 4M = - 40
Mae, or
You can now find Nora's age!