Question 1106863
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There is no solution in whole numbers, because the problem is stated incorrectly.<br>
"1.5 times older than..." means as old as, and then 1.5 more times as old as -- i.e., 2.5 times AS OLD AS.  With that correct grammatical interpretation, the problem can't be solved.<br>
The correct statement of the problem is this:<br>
Patrick is 5 years older than his nephew. In 2 years he will be 1.5 times AS OLD AS his nephew. How old is each now?<br>
With that statement of the problem, we have
(1) {{{P = N+5}}}  Patrick is 5 years older than his nephew
(2) {{{P+2 = 1.5(N+2)}}}  Patrick's age in 2 years will be 1.5 times his nephew's age in 2 years<br>
With the equations in this form, substitution seems appropriate:
{{{(N+5)+2 = 1.5(N+2)}}}
{{{N+7 = 1.5N+3}}}
{{{4 = .5N}}}
{{{8 = N}}}<br>
Patrick's nephew is 8; Patrick is 13.