Question 1177439
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There are an endless number of different ways to set up this problem for solving.  With some experience, you can learn how to set up problems to make the work of solving them as easy as possible.<br>
Given that Dylan 10 years ago was 3 times as old as Nicole, I would set up the problem like this:<br>
Let x = Nicole's age 10 years ago
Then 3x = Dylan's age 10 years ago<br>
The sum of their current ages is 80, so 10 years ago that sum was 60.<br>
{{{x+3x=60}}}
{{{4x=60}}}
{{{x=15}}}<br>
Dylan's age 10 years ago was 3x=45, so his age now is 55.<br>