Question 1089909
m, Mark
n, Noel



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If mark is 4 times older than Noel next year 
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"is"; not 'will be'.


{{{m=4(n+1)}}}




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and 2 times older in 3 years time.
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{{{m+3=2(n+3)}}}


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Simplifying the second equation first,
{{{m+3=2n+6}}}
{{{m=2n+3}}}
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substitute for m,
{{{4(n+1)=2n+3}}}
{{{4n+4=2n+3}}}
{{{2n+4=3}}}
{{{highlight(n=-1)}}}    ,   ?


If the description was given correctly, and if the interpretation made is the right one, and if no arithmetic mistakes made, then Noel would have to be one year BEFORE being born.