SOLUTION: The ratio between the ages of the two suspects is 6:5 and the sum of their ages is 55 years. After how many years will the ratio be 8:7.?

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Question 378241: The ratio between the ages of the two suspects is 6:5 and the sum of their ages is 55 years. After how many years will the ratio be 8:7.?
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi,

the sum of their ages is 55 years

Let x and (55-x) represent their ages now

%286%2F5%29+=+x%2F%2855-x%29

cross multiply to solve for x

6(55-x) = 5x

6*55  -6x = 5x

6*55 = 11x

30 = x  Two suspects are 30 and 25 years old now.



Let y represent the number of years from now the ratio will be 8:7

(30+y)/(25+y) = 8/7  cross multiplying to solve for y

8(25+y) = 7(30+y)

8*25 + 8y = 7*30 + 7y

y = 210 - 200 = 10, the years from now the ratio will be 8:7