SOLUTION: Two years ago, tom is twice as old as jerry. In 2 years, tom is five years older than jerry. How old are they now?

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Question 1147007: Two years ago, tom is twice as old as jerry. In 2 years, tom is five years older than jerry. How old are they now?
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, ikleyn:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39630) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
system%28t-2=2%28j-2%29%2Ct%2B2=%28j%2B2%29%2B5%29

t-2=2j-4
t-2j=-2
t=2j-2

t%2B2=j%2B7
t-j=5
substitute:
%282j-2%29-j=5
j-2=5
highlight%28j=7%29
-
highlight%28t=12%29

Answer by ikleyn(52879) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

Since "in 2 years, Tom is five years older than Jerry",  Tom always is five years older than Jerry until both are alive.


In particular, two years ago Tom was 5 years older than Jerry, 

and was twice as old as Jerry at the same time, according to the condition.


Hence, 2 years ago they were  5 and 10 years old.


So, now they are 7 and 12 years old.


Solved (mentally, without using equations).