Question 38737
John is x+6
Tim is x
Equation:
{{{(x+6)^2+(x)^2=218}}}
{{{x^2+36+12x=218}}}
{{{x^2+12x-182=0}}}
{{{x = (-12 +- sqrt( 12^2-4*1*-182 ))/(2*1) }}}
 x=9 (rounded)
9+6=15
Hence, JOhn is 15 years old, and Tim is 9 years old.

Paul.