Question 1139288
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L = Lawrence's age
J = Janet's age<br>

L - 4 = 4 (J - 4)    four years ago
L + 2 = 3 (J + 2)    two years from now

L = 4J-12
L = 3J+4

Subtracting bottom eq from top eq:
0 = J+8 ==>  J=16  ==> L=52

Ans:  Lawrence is 52

Check:  Four years ago: Lawrence was 48, Janet was 12,  48=4*12  (ok)
        Two years from now: Lawrence will be 54, Janet will be 18,  54=3*18 (ok)