Question 1206413
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It can be easily solved mentally, without using equations.


<pre>
    "In 8 years, the sum of their ages will be 33."


Hence, now, or today, the sum of their ages is 33-8-8 = 33-16 = 17.


Thus, we have that Maria is 5 more than trice the age of her brother,
                   and the sum of their ages is 17.


Take 5 years away from both parts of this statement, for a moment, and will work with "corrected" Maria age.  
You will get

                  Maria is thrice the age of her brother
                  and the sum of their ages is 12.


At this point, it is easy to guess that the brother is 3 years old, while Maria's corrected age is 3*3 = 9 years.
Now return these 5 years to the Maria's age and get her true age  9+5 = 14 years.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  Maria is 14 years old; her brother is 3 years old.
</pre>

Solved.


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Good student should know the algebra solution, shown to you by the other tutor.


It is a base and a basic.


Knowing mental solution will make your horizon wider, and will add you more confidence.