Question 1051263
Let {{{ a }}} = Melissa's age now
Let {{{ b }}} = Joyce's age now
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(1) {{{ a = b - 24 }}}
(2) {{{ b + 2 = 3*( a + 2 ) }}}
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(2) {{{ b + 2 = 3a + 6 }}}
(2) {{{ -3a + b = 4 }}}
and
(1) {{{ -a + b = 24 }}}
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Subtract (2) from (1)
(1) {{{ -a + b = 24 }}}
(2) {{{ 3a - b = -4 }}}
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{{{ 2a = 20 }}}
{{{ a = 10 }}}
and
(1) {{{ -a + b = 24 }}}
(1) {{{ -10 + b = 24 }}}
(1) {{{ b = 34 }}}
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Joyce is 34
Melissa is 10
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check:
(1) {{{ a = b - 24 }}}
(1) {{{ 10 = 34 - 24 }}}
(1) {{{ 10 = 10 }}}
and
(2) {{{ b + 2 = 3*( a + 2 ) }}}
(2) {{{ 34 + 2 = 3*( 10 + 2 ) }}}
(2) {{{ 36 = 3*12 }}}
(2) {{{ 36 = 36 }}}
OK