SOLUTION: Jason's age is 3 times Shauna's present age. In 4 years' time, the sum of their ages will be 56. Find their present ages.

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Jason's age is 3 times Shauna's present age. In 4 years' time, the sum of their ages will be 56. Find their present ages.       Log On


   

Question 1014258: Jason's age is 3 times Shauna's present age. In 4 years' time, the sum of their ages will be 56. Find their present ages.
Answer by FrankM(1040) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Now, J=3S
In 4 years, (J+4)+(S+4)=56
Easy substitution,
(3S+4)+(S+4)=56 (You see - since J=3S I just replaced J with 3S)
4S+8=56
4S = 48
S=12, J=36 now Jason is 3X Shauna's age. In 4 years he is 40 and she is 16, they sum to 56.