Question 566006
Let {{{ e }}} = Elmer's age now
Let {{{ r }}} = Ruel's age now
given:
(1) {{{ e = 3r }}}
(2) {{{ e + 4 = 2*( r + 4 ) + 2 }}}
------------------------
(2) {{{ e + 4 = 2r + 8 + 2 }}}
(2) {{{ e - 2r = 6 }}}
Substitute (1) into (2)
(2) {{{ 3r - 2r = 6 }}}
(2) {{{ r = 6 }}}
and
(1) {{{ e = 3r }}}
(1) {{{ e = 18 }}}
Elmer is 18, and Ruel is 6 }}}
check:
(2) {{{ e + 4 = 2*( r + 4 ) + 2 }}}
(2) {{{ 18 + 4 = 2*( 6 + 4 ) + 2 }}}
(2) {{{ 22 = 20 + 2 }}}
OK