<PRE><B>Question 1177267</B>
&lt;br&gt;
Assuming the statement is supposed to be that Jim 8 years ago was 1/5 AS OLD AS Jane was then....&lt;br&gt;
Given that Jim was 1/5 as old as Jane 8 years ago, I would make the algebra easier with...&lt;br&gt;
Let x = Jim&#39;s age 8 years ago
then 5x = Jane&#39;s age 8 years ago&lt;br&gt;
To get from 8 years ago to 6 years from now, we have to add 14 to each age:&lt;br&gt;
x+14 = Jim&#39;s age 6 years from now
5x+14 = Jane&#39;s age 6 years from now&lt;br&gt;
Jim&#39;s age 6 years from now will be 2/3 of Jane&#39;s age then:&lt;br&gt;
{{{x+14 = (2/3)(5x+14)}}}
{{{3(x+14) = 2(5x+14)}}}
{{{3x+42 = 10x+28}}}
{{{14 = 7x}}}
{{{x = 2}}}&lt;br&gt;
Their ages 8 years ago were
Jim = x = 2
Jane = 5x = 10&lt;br&gt;
Their ages now are&lt;br&gt;
ANSWERS:
Jim = 2+8 = 10
Jane = 10+8 = 18&lt;br&gt;
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