Question 412948
Let {{{M}}} = Max's age now
Let {{{L}}} = Liam's age now
given:
(1) {{{M = L + 24}}}
(2) {{{L + 2 = (1/2)*(M + 2)}}}
This is 2 equations and 2 unknowns, so it's solvable
Substitute (1) into (2)
(2) {{{L + 2 = (1/2)*(L + 24 + 2)}}}
(2) {{{2*(L + 2) = L + 26}}}
(2) {{{2L + 4  = L + 26}}}
(2) {{{L = 22}}}
and, since
{{{M = L + 24}}}
{{{M = 46}}}
Max is 46 and Liam is 22
check answer:
(2) {{{L + 2 = (1/2)*(M + 2)}}}
(2) {{{22 + 2 = (1/2)*48}}}
(2) {{{24 = 24}}}
OK