SOLUTION: karen is seven years older than suzanne. four years ago, karen was twice as old as suzanne was. how old are they now? PLS HELP :(

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Question 961997: karen is seven years older than suzanne. four years ago, karen was twice as old as suzanne was. how old are they now? PLS HELP :(
Answer by rothauserc(4718) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let x be the age of suzanne and y is the age of karen, then
y = x+ 7
y - 4 = 2(x-4)
y -4 = 2x -8
use first equation to substitute for y
x + 7 -4 = 2x -8
x +3 = 2x -8
x = 11
y = 18
suzanne is 11 and karen is 18
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check the answer
18 - 4 = 2*(11 - 4)
14 = 14
our answer checks