Question 850505
Assign variables and translate the description into symbols.


b = Bill's age
t = Ted's age


{{{b+t=19}}}.


Their ages in three years will be b+3 and t+3.
{{{t+3=(1/2)(b+3)}}}.



---------------Solving the system--------------
2t+6=b+3
b-2t=3-6
-b+2t=6-3
-b+2t=3
-
SYSTEM NOW:
------------
-b+2t=3
and
b+t=19
------------
-
Add left members and add right members to eliminate b.
3t=21
t=7
That means from b+t=19 that b=12.
ANSWER:  Ted is 7 years old and Bill is 12 years old.