<PRE><B>Question 698528</B>
&lt;br&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Tahoma&quot;&gt;Let P be Paula&#39;s current age.&lt;br&gt;

Let R be Ryan&#39;s current age.&lt;br&gt;

{{{P=2*R}}} given&lt;br&gt;

{{{(P-7)+(R-7)=16}}} given&lt;br&gt;

{{{P+R-14=16}}} simplify the second equation&lt;br&gt;

{{{P+R=30}}}&lt;br&gt;

Then just substitute the {{{P=2*R}}} into that simplified equation:&lt;br&gt;

{{{(2*R)+R=30}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{3*R=30}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{R=10}}}&lt;br&gt;

Thus, Ryan is now 10 years old, and Paula is 20 years old.&lt;br&gt;

Check it, it works!&lt;br&gt;

I hope this helps!  Keep practicing!  :)&lt;br&gt;

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