<PRE><B>Question 149859</B>
man=m
son=s


m-3=8(s-3)
m+2=4(s+2)


Solve for m in the first equation


m=8(s-3)+3
Distribute
m=8s-24+3
m=8s-21


Plug that into the second equation
8s-21+2=4(s+2)


Distribute the 4
8s-21+2=4s+8


Combine like terms
8s-19=4s+8


Add 19 to both sides
8s=4s+27


Subtract 4s from both sides
4s=27


Divide by 4
s=27/4 0r 6 and 3/4


m-3=8(s-3)
m-3=8(27/4-3)
m-3=54-24
m-3=30
m=33


son=6 years and 9 months
man=33 years</PRE>