SOLUTION: Luis is 8 years younger than Michael. Two years ago, Michael was 5 times as old as Luis. Old old is Luis now?

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Age -> SOLUTION: Luis is 8 years younger than Michael. Two years ago, Michael was 5 times as old as Luis. Old old is Luis now?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 1013837: Luis is 8 years younger than Michael. Two years ago, Michael was 5 times as old as Luis. Old old is Luis now?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +a+ = Luis's age now
Let +b+ = Michael's age now
----------------------------
(1) +a+=+b+-+8+
(2) +b+-+2+=+5%2A%28+a+-+2+%29+
------------------------
(2) +b+-+2+=+5a+-+10+
(2) +5a+-+b+=+8+
and
(1) +-a+%2B+b+=+8+
--------------------
Add the equations
(2) +5a+-+b+=+8+
(1) +-a+%2B+b+=+8+
------------------
+4a+=+16+
+a+=+4+
and
(1) +a+=+b+-+8+
(1) 4+=+b+-+8+
(1) +b+=+12+
----------------
Luis is 4 and Michael is 12
-----------------------
check:
Luis is 8 years younger
OK
2 yrs ago, Michael was 10
2 yrs ago Luis was 2
So Michael was 5 times as old as Luis
OK