SOLUTION: A man is now 55 years old, and his wife is 45 years old. How many years ago was the ratio of the years in the man's age to the wife's age 4:3? Thanks for your help.

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Question 936979: A man is now 55 years old, and his wife is 45 years old. How many years ago was the ratio of the years in the man's age to the wife's age 4:3? Thanks for your help.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let
-------------------
+%28+55+-+n+%29+%2F+%28+45+-+n+%29+=+4%2F3+
Multiply both sides by +3%2A%28+45+-+n+%29+
+3%2A%28+55+-+n+%29+=+4%2A%28+45+-+n+%29+
+165+-+3n+=+180+-+4n+
+n+=+180+-+165+
+n+=+15+
15 years ago the ratio of their ages was 4:3
check:
15 yrs ago, man's age was: +55+-+15+=+40+
15 yrs ago wife's age was: +45+-+15+=+30+
+40+%2F+30+=+4%2F3+
OK