SOLUTION: Please help me solve this problem: the sum of the ages of dorothy and dorilyn is 41. In 5 years, dorothy will be twice as old as dorilyn. Find thier ages 3 years ago. Thank you for

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Question 922336: Please help me solve this problem: the sum of the ages of dorothy and dorilyn is 41. In 5 years, dorothy will be twice as old as dorilyn. Find thier ages 3 years ago. Thank you for helping!! :)
Answer by rothauserc(4718) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let x be the age of dorothy and y is the age of dorilyn, then
x + y = 41
x +5 = 2(y +5)
solve first equation for y
y = 41 - x
substitute for y in second equation
x + 5 = 2(41 - x +5)
x +5 = 2(46 - x)
x +5 = 92 -2x
3x = 87
x = 29 and y = 12
therefore their ages 3 years ago are
dorothy is 26 and dorilyn is 9