Question 241039
Since Brandon is ten years older than Brian, let:
Brian = x
Brandon = x+10
.
In 2 years Brandon will be 3 times as old as Brian, so our equation now becomes:
{{{(x+10)+2=3(x+2)}}}
Now solve for x to determine Brian's age.
{{{x+12=3x+(3*2)}}}
{{{x+12=3x+6}}}
{{{12-6=3x-x}}}
{{{6=2x}}}
{{{x=6/2}}}
{{{x=3}}} ...this is Brian's age (today)
.
{{{x+10=3+10=13}}} ...this is Brandon's age (today).
.
Let's plug in the x value in the original equation to see if it makes sense.
Remember: {{{(x+10)+2=3(x+2)}}}
{{{(3+10)+2=3(3+2)}}}
{{{13+2=3(3+2)}}}
{{{15=3(5)}}}
{{{15=15}}}
.
The answer checks!  We're done! :)