Question 1118065
scott is four times older than beth. In six years from now scott will only be three times older than beth. solve the equation to find out how old each of them is now
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I will solve this, which is my interpretation of your question:
Scott is four times {{{cross( older than )}}} as old as Beth. In six years {{{ cross( from  now ) }}}  Scott will only be three times {{{ cross(older than)}}} as old as Beth.  Formulate and solve the equation to find out how old each of them is now.<br>


Let:
S = Scott's age
B = Beth's age

<pre>
(1)  S = 4B  
(2)  (S+6) = 3(B+6)   <br>

</pre>

Substitute for S from (1) into (2) (this is one way to do it, other methods can be used):

   (4B + 6) = 3(B+6)
    4B+6 = 3B+18
          B = 12  —>  S = 4(12) = 48

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Ans:  <b>Beth is {{{highlight( 12 ) }}} ,  Scott is {{{highlight( 48 ) }}} </b>
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Check (in 6 years Scott's age should be 3x Beth's age):
       12 + 6 = 18  and
        48 + 6 = 54  = 3*18  (ok)