SOLUTION: scott is four times older than beth. In six years from now scott will only be three times older than beth. solve the equation to find out how old each of them is now

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Question 1118065: scott is four times older than beth. In six years from now scott will only be three times older than beth. solve the equation to find out how old each of them is now
Answer by math_helper(2461) About Me  (Show Source):
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scott is four times older than beth. In six years from now scott will only be three times older than beth. solve the equation to find out how old each of them is now
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I will solve this, which is my interpretation of your question:
Scott is four times cross%28+older+than+%29 as old as Beth. In six years +cross%28+from++now+%29+ Scott will only be three times +cross%28older+than%29 as old as Beth. Formulate and solve the equation to find out how old each of them is now.


Let:
S = Scott's age
B = Beth's age 
(1)  S = 4B  
(2)  (S+6) = 3(B+6)

Substitute for S from (1) into (2) (this is one way to do it, other methods can be used):
(4B + 6) = 3(B+6)
4B+6 = 3B+18
B = 12 —> S = 4(12) = 48
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Ans: Beth is highlight%28+12+%29+ , Scott is highlight%28+48+%29+
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Check (in 6 years Scott's age should be 3x Beth's age):
12 + 6 = 18 and
48 + 6 = 54 = 3*18 (ok)