Question 1136866
Let {{{ a }}} = Steve's age now
Let {{{ b }}} = Robert's age now
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(1) {{{ a = ( 7/2 )*b }}}
(2) {{{ b + 8 = (1/2)*( a + 8 ) }}}
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(1) {{{ b = (2/7)*a }}}
Plug (1) into (2)
(2) {{{ (2/7)*a + 8 = (1/2)*( a + 8 ) }}}
Multiply both sides by {{{ 14 }}}
(2) {{{ 4a + 112 = 7a + 56 }}}
(2) {{{ 3a = 56 }}}
(2) {{{ a = 18 + 2/3 }}}
and
(1) {{{ b = (2/7)*(56/3) }}}
(1) {{{ b = 16/3 }}}
(1) {{{ b = 5 + 1/3 }}}
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Steve is 18 and 8 months
Robert is 5 and 4 months
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check:
(2) {{{ 16/3 + 8 = (1/2)*( 56/3 + 8 ) }}}
(2) {{{ 16/3 + 8 = 28/3 + 4 }}}
(2) {{{ 16 + 24 = 28 + 12 }}}
(2) {{{ 40 = 40 }}}
OK
Get a 2nd opinion if needed