Question 1206003
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Given the ratio of their ages 5 years ago to be 4:3, one good way to start on the problem is like this:<br>
Let 4x = brother's age 5 years ago
Let 3x = sister's age 5 years ago<br>
The difference in their ages 5 years ago was 4x-3x = x; the difference in their ages (now and always) is 3 years. So<br>
x=3; the brother's age 5 years ago was 4x=12; the sister's age 5 years ago was 3x=9; and...<br>
ANSWER: The brother's age is 12+5 = 17; the sister's age is 9+5 = 14<br>