SOLUTION: Micheal is 4 as old as Jackie. In 4 years, he will be twice as old as she will be then. How old is each now? Can you please give and example if how to show the work because I am

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Question 651003: Micheal is 4 as old as Jackie. In 4 years, he will be twice as old as she will be then. How old is each now?
Can you please give and example if how to show the work because I am lost
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Is the 1st sentence "Michael is 4 TIMES as old as Jackie." ?
If so,
Let +m+ = Michael's age now
Let +j+ = Jackie's age now
+m+%2B+4+ = Michael's age in 4 years
+j+%2B+4+ = Jackie's age in 4 years
-------------------------
given:
(1) +m+=+4j+
(2) +m+%2B+4+=+2%2A%28+j+%2B+4+%29+
-----------------------
These are 2 equations with 2 unknowns
so it's solvable
(2) +m+%2B+4+=+2j+%2B+8+
Substitute (1) into (2)
(2) +4j+%2B+4+=+2j+%2B+8+
(2) +2j+=+4+
(2) +j+=+2+
and, since
(1) +m+=+4j+
(1) +m+=+4%2A2+
(1) +m+=+8+
--------------
Michael is 8 and Jackie is 2
check:
(2) +m+%2B+4+=+2%2A%28+j+%2B+4+%29+
(2) +8+%2B+4+=+2%2A%28+2+%2B+4+%29+
(2) +12+=+2%2A6+
(2) +12+=+12+
OK
(1) +m+=+4j+
(1) +8+=+4%2A2+
(1) +8+=+8+
OK