Question 271038
Fred is 4 years older than barney, five years ago the sum of their age was 48, how old are they now, please use F for fred and B for barney, 
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Equations:
F = B + 4
(F-5) + (B-5) = 48
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F = B + 4
F + B = 58
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Substitute for "F" and solve for "B":
B+4+B = 58
2B = 54
B = 27 yrs (barney's age now)
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Since F = B+4, F = 31 yrs (fred's age now)
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Cheers,
Stan H.