Question 268338
Let {{{m}}} = Mellisa's age now
Let {{{j}}} = Joyce's age now
{{{m + 2}}} = Mellisa's age in 2 years
{{{j + 2}}} = Joyce's age in 2 years
given:
(1) {{{m = j - 24}}}
(2) {{{j + 2 = 3*(m + 2)}}}
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From (2)
(2) {{{j + 2 = 3m + 6}}}
(2) {{{j - 3m = 4}}}
From (1)
(1) {{{m = j - 24}}}
(1) {{{j - m = 24}}}
Subtract (2) from (1)
(1) {{{j - m = 24}}}
(2) {{{-j + 3m = -4}}}
{{{2m = 20}}}
{{{m = 10}}}
and
{{{j - m = 24}}}
{{{j = m + 24}}}
{{{j = 10 + 24}}}
{{{j = 34}}}
Mellisa is 10 and Joyce is 34
check:
(2) {{{j + 2 = 3*(m + 2)}}}
(2) {{{34 + 2 = 3*(10 + 2)}}}
{{{36 = 3*12}}}
{{{36 = 36}}}
OK