Question 1204515
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If ben is 5 years older than Tim four years ago,
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Notice that said Ben IS,...


b, Ben's age today
t, Tim's age TODAY


{{{b=5+(t-4)}}}
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{{{b=t+1}}}



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 the ratio of the ages 7:6
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What ratio?  Only meaning must be ratio of Ben's age TODAY to the age of Tim four years ago.  Reading this exactly,
{{{system(b/(t-4)=7/6,b=t+1)}}}


{{{(t+1)/(t-4)=7/6}}}

{{{6(t+1)=7(t-4)}}}

{{{6t+6=7t-28}}}

{{{t=28+6}}}

{{{highlight(t=34)}}}---------Tim, today

{{{highlight(b=35)}}}--------Ben, today