Question 516401
Let 
Present age of Thomas = t
Present age of Paul = p




Thomas is 4 years older than Paul. 
t=p+4.........(1)

Five years ago 
t-5=p-5
then, the sum of their ages was 14. 
(t-5)+(p-5)=14
t-5+p-5=14
t+p-10=14
t+p=14+10
t+p=24........................(2)
Put the value of t from (1) to (2)
p+4+p=24
2p+4=24
2p=24-4
2p=20
2p/2=20/2
p=10

Put the value of p in (1)
t=p+4.........(1)
t=10+4
t=14

Thomas is 14 years old and Paul is 10 years old