SOLUTION: Please help me on my homework on age problem on linear equation in one variable:...."Six years ago Carl was three times as old as John.Eight years hence,four times Carl's age will

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Age -> SOLUTION: Please help me on my homework on age problem on linear equation in one variable:...."Six years ago Carl was three times as old as John.Eight years hence,four times Carl's age will       Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 925595: Please help me on my homework on age problem on linear equation in one variable:...."Six years ago Carl was three times as old as John.Eight years hence,four times Carl's age will be five times John's age.Find their present ages.





























Answer by rothauserc(4718) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let x be Carl's age and y be John's age, then
(x-6) = 3*(y-6)
4*(x+8) = 5*(y+8)
first equation becomes
x-6 = 3y-18
x - 3y = -12
x = 3y -12
substitute for x in second equation
4*(3y-12+8) = 5y+40
12y-16 = 5y+40
7y = 56
y = 8, then use first equation
x-6 = 3*(8-6)
x-6 = 6
x = 12
therefore
Carl is 12 and John is 8