SOLUTION: A boy is 26 years older than his father. in 3 years time, his age would be a third of the father's age. Find the boy's present age.

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Question 558743: A boy is 26 years older than his father. in 3 years time, his age would be a third of the father's age. Find the boy's present age.
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I don't quite understand how a boy can be 26 years older than his father?
Did you mean to write: A boy is 26 years younger than his father?
Let B = the boy's present age and F = the father's present age:
1) B+=+F-26
2) B%2B3+=+%281%2F3%29%28F%2B3%29 Substitute B+=+F-26
2a) %28F-26%29%2B3+=+%281%2F3%29%28F%2B3%29 Multiply through by 3 to clear the fraction.
2b) 3%28%28F-26%29%2B3%29+=+F%2B3 Simplify.
2c) 3F-69+=+F%2B3
2d) 2F+=+72
2e) F+=+36 and B+=+36-26=10
The boy is 10 years old and the father is 36 years old.