SOLUTION: mary is six years older than sue. in two years, mary will be twice as old as sue. find their present ages.

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Question 195993: mary is six years older than sue. in two years, mary will be twice as old as sue. find their present ages.
Answer by jojo14344(1513) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Let x equals Sue's Age
Therefore, x+6 will be Mary's Age (6 yrs older)


Condition: Two years hence, Mary's age will be twice as Sue:

2(Sue+2yrs)=Mary+2yrs
red%282%29%28x%2Bred%282yrs%29%29=x%2B6%2Bred%282yrs%29
2x%2B4=x%2B8
Combine similar terms:
2x-x=8-4
red%28x=4yrs%29, Sue's present age

Then, x%2B6=4%2B6=red%2810yrs%29, Mary's Present Age

Check, (via condition)
2%284%2B2%29=10%2B2
2%286%29=12
12yrs=12yrs
*Note: In 2yrs, Sue will be 6 yrs old (4+2yrs), where Mary is twice as old, 12 yrs (10+2yrs).

Thank you,
Jojo