SOLUTION: Mary is 9 years older than Seth. In a year, she will be 3 times as old as he is. Find their ages.

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Question 511626: Mary is 9 years older than Seth. In a year, she will be 3 times as old as he is. Find their ages.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
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Mary is 9 years older than Seth. In a year, she will be 3 times as old as he is. Find their ages.
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Equations:
m = s + 9
(m+1) = 3(s+1)
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Substitute for "m" and solve for "s":
(s+9+1) = 3s+3
s+10 = 3s+3
2s = 7
s = 3.5 years old
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solve for "m":
m = s+9
m = 3.5+9
m = 12.5 years old
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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