SOLUTION: 3 years ago, larry was twice as old as ben. three years from now hewill be 1 1/2 times as old as ben. how old is each?

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Question 375808: 3 years ago, larry was twice as old as ben. three years from now hewill be 1 1/2 times as old as ben. how old is each?
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi,

Let x be ben's age now and y represent larry's age now.

y - 3 =2(x -3)=2x - 6  3 years ago, larry was twice as old as ben

y + 3 =(3/2)(x + 3)=(3/2)x + (9/2) three years from now he will be 1 1/2 times as old as ben

y - 3 =2x - 6

y + 3 =(3/2)x + (9/2)

Solving for x by eliminating y

y - 3 =2x - 6

-y - 3 =-(3/2)x - (9/2) subtracting second equation from the first

-6 = x/2 - 21/2

9/2 = x/2

9 = x, ben's age now.

Substituting for x to solve for y, larry's age now

y - 3 = 2x - 6

y = 2x -3

y =2*9 - 3 = 15, larry's age now



checking our answer

3 years ago, larry was twice as old as ben

12 = 2*6