SOLUTION: Paula is twice as old as Ryan. Seven years ago the sum of their ages was 16. How old is Ryan now?

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Question 698528: Paula is twice as old as Ryan. Seven years ago the sum of their ages was 16. How old is Ryan now?
Answer by neatmath(302) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Let P be Paula's current age.

Let R be Ryan's current age.

P=2%2AR given

%28P-7%29%2B%28R-7%29=16 given

P%2BR-14=16 simplify the second equation

P%2BR=30

Then just substitute the P=2%2AR into that simplified equation:

%282%2AR%29%2BR=30

3%2AR=30

R=10

Thus, Ryan is now 10 years old, and Paula is 20 years old.

Check it, it works!

I hope this helps! Keep practicing! :)

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