SOLUTION: Elmer is thrice as old as Ruel. in 4 years, elmer will be 2 years more than twice as old as ruel will be. find their present ages.

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Question 566006: Elmer is thrice as old as Ruel. in 4 years, elmer will be 2 years more than twice as old as ruel will be. find their present ages.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +e+ = Elmer's age now
Let +r+ = Ruel's age now
given:
(1) +e+=+3r+
(2) +e+%2B+4+=+2%2A%28+r+%2B+4+%29+%2B+2+
------------------------
(2) +e+%2B+4+=+2r+%2B+8+%2B+2+
(2) +e+-+2r+=+6+
Substitute (1) into (2)
(2) +3r+-+2r+=+6+
(2) +r+=+6+
and
(1) +e+=+3r+
(1) +e+=+18+
Elmer is 18, and Ruel is 6 }}}
check:
(2) +e+%2B+4+=+2%2A%28+r+%2B+4+%29+%2B+2+
(2) +18+%2B+4+=+2%2A%28+6+%2B+4+%29+%2B+2+
(2) +22+=+20+%2B+2+
OK