SOLUTION: Bob was thrice as old as john 5 years ago. Bob was thrice as old as john 5 years . How old are they now?

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: Bob was thrice as old as john 5 years ago. Bob was thrice as old as john 5 years . How old are they now?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 979835: Bob was thrice as old as john 5 years ago. Bob was thrice as old as john 5 years . How old are they now?
Answer by Cromlix(4381) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hi there,
Bob was thrice as old as john 5 years ago
B - 5 = 3(J - 5)......(1)
Now he is only twice as old as john
B = 2J.......(2)
Multiplying out equation (1)
B - 5 = 3J - 15
Substituting 2J for B from (2)
2J - 5 = 3J - 15
Collect like terms
2J - 3J = - 15 + 5
-J = - 10
J = 10
Bob is 20yrs old
Jim is 10yrs old now.
Hope this helps:-)