Question 1206413
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b = brother's present day age
3b = three times that amount
3b+5 = Maria's present day age


Add on 8 to each to fast-forward the clock.
b+8 = brother's future age
(3b+5)+8 = 3b+13 = maria's future age


Add those future ages to get 33.
This will allow us to determine b.
brother+maria = 33
(b+8)+(3b+13) = 33
4b+21 = 33
4b = 33-21
4b = 12
b = 12/4
b = 3
Her brother is currently <font color=red>3 years old</font>.


3b+5 = 3*3+5 = 14
Maria is currently <font color=red>14 years old</font>.


In 8 years they will be...
brother = 3+8 = 11
maria = 14+8 = 22
Their future age sum will be 11+22 = 33, so we have confirmed the answers are correct.
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