SOLUTION: The sum of the ages of Bryce and Sonya is 72 years old. 6 years ago, Bryce’s age was 3 times Sonya’s age. How old is Bryce now?

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Question 1125348: The sum of the ages of Bryce and Sonya is 72 years old. 6 years ago, Bryce’s age was 3 times Sonya’s age. How old is Bryce now?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +a+ = Bryce’s age now
Let +b+ = Sonya’s age now
———————————————-
(1) +a+%2B+b+=+72+
(2) +a+-+6+=+3%2A%28+b+-+6+%29+
——————————————
(2) +a+-+6+=+3b+-+18+
(2) +a+-+3b+=+-12+
Subtract (2) from (1)
(1) +a+%2B+b+=+72+
(2) +-a+%2B+3b+=+12+
—————————————
+4b+=+84+
+b+=+21+
And
(1) +a+%2B+21+=+72+
(1) +a+=+51+
Bryce is 51 now
——————————-
Check:
(2) +a-+6+=+3%2A%28+b+-+6+%29+
(2) +51+-+6+=+3%2A%28+21+-+6+%29+
(2) +45+=+3%2A15+
(2) +45+=+45+
OK