Question 911558
{{{m}}}= Mary's present age
{{{2m}}}= Mary's aunt present age
In 20 years, Mary's aunt will be {{{2m+20}}} years old.
The problem says that at that time Mary's aunt will be two years more than three times Mary's present age, so she will be {{{3m+2}}} years old.
So, {{{3m+2=2m+20}}} is the equation to solve.
{{{3m+2=2m+20}}}
{{{3m=2m+20-2}}}
{{{3m-2m=18}}}
{{{m=18}}}
So Mary is 18 years old, and her aunt is
{{{2m=2*18=highlight(36)}}} years old.
The aunt's present age is {{{highlight(36)}}} .
 
CHECKING:
Two years more than three times Mary's present age is {{{3*18+2=54+2=56}}}
In 20 years Mary's aunt will be 20 years more than now,
so it will be {{{36+20=56}}} ,
which is exactly the same number as for two years more than three times Mary's present age.