SOLUTION: Patty is 3 times as old as her brother, Terry. In 10 years, the sum of their ages will be 36. How old are they now?

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Age -> SOLUTION: Patty is 3 times as old as her brother, Terry. In 10 years, the sum of their ages will be 36. How old are they now?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 757168: Patty is 3 times as old as her brother, Terry. In 10 years, the sum of their ages will be 36. How old are they now?
Answer by LearnWithMajor(33) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
P = patty's age now T = terry's age now
Patty is 3 times as old as terry. 3T = P
In 10 years the sum of their ages will be 36. (T+10) + (P+10) = 36
Now substituting/replacing the P in the second equation with 3T from the first equation we get
(T+10) + (3T+10) = 36
Now we combine like terms and then solve for T
(T+3T) + (10+10) = 36
4T + 20 = 36
4T = 16
T = 4
P = 3T = 3(4) = 12