SOLUTION: John is 3 years younger than James. In 3 years, the product of John's age and James' age will be equal to 270. What are their current ages? Set up 2 polynomial equations. John's

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: John is 3 years younger than James. In 3 years, the product of John's age and James' age will be equal to 270. What are their current ages? Set up 2 polynomial equations. John's      Log On


   



Question 769604: John is 3 years younger than James. In 3 years, the product of John's age and James' age will be equal to 270. What are their current ages?
Set up 2 polynomial equations. John's current age, x and James' current age, y.
Solve problem symbolically. Show all steps.

Answer by mananth(16946) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
john age x
james age =y
y-x=3......................(1)
y=x+3
(x+3)(y+3)=270..............(2)
xy+3x+3y+9=270
substitute y
x(x+3)+3x+3(x+3)+9=270
x^2+3x+3x+3x+9+9=270
x^2+9x+18=270
x^2+9x-252=0
x^2+21x-12x-252=0
x(x+21)-12(x+21)=0
(x+21)(x-12)=0
x= -21 OR 12
age cannot be negative so x=12
The ages are 12 & 15