Question 219958
Let m = Mariam's present age
Let r = Ricardo's present age
:
Write an equation for each statement:
:
"Miriam is four years older than Ricardo."
m = r + 4
:
" Ten years ago, Miriam was 3 times as old as Ricardo was then. "
m - 10 = 3(r - 10)
m - 10 = 3r - 30
m = 3r - 30 + 10
m = 3r - 20
:
Substitute (r+4) for m in the above equation
r + 4 = 3r - 20
4 + 20 = 3r - r
24 = 2r
r = {{{24/2}}}
r = 12 yr is R's present age
then
m = 12 + 4
m = 16 is M's present age
;
;
Check solution in the statement:
" Ten years ago, Miriam was 3 times as old as Ricardo was then."
16 - 10 = 3(12 - 10)