SOLUTION: John is now 3 times as old as his brother Sam. In 5 years, John will be twice as old as Sam will be then. Find their present ages.

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Question 364837: John is now 3 times as old as his brother Sam. In 5 years, John will be twice as old as Sam will be then. Find their present ages.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
John is now 3 times as old as his brother Sam. In 5 years, John will be twice as old as Sam will be then. Find their present ages.
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Equations:
j = 3s
(j+5) = 2(s+5)
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Substitute for "j" and solve for "s":
3s+5 = 2s+10
s = 5 yrs. (Sam's age now)
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Since j = 3s, John = 3*5 = 15 yrs (John's age now)
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Cheers,
Stan H.