Question 630681
.
Can you please help,
Von is thrice as old as his brother Jon. Four years ago, he was 4 years less than 5 times Jon's age at that time. 
How old are they now?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



        This problem can be solved in hard way,  using two equations and writing many words,  as tutor  @Theo did in his post.


        It also can be solved in easier way,  using one equation and writing only the necessary words,  as I present it below.



<pre>
Let x be the Jon age.
Then the Von age is 3x, according to the problem.


Four years ago, the Jon's age was x-4.
Four years ago, the Von's age was (3x-4).


From the problem, we have this equation

    3x-4 = 5(x-4) - 4.    (Four years ago, Von was 4 years less than 5 times Jon's age at that time).


It is an equation to solve. Simplify and find x

    3x - 4 = 5x - 20 - 4.


Collect the terms with 'x' on the right side; collect the constant terms on the left side

    -4 + 20 + 4 = 5x - 3x,

         20     =    2x

          x     =    20/2 = 10.


Thus, Jon is 10 years old;  Von is 3*10 = 30 years old.    <<<---===  <U>ANSWER</U>
</pre>

Solved. &nbsp;&nbsp;The solution is clear, &nbsp;transparent and straightforward, &nbsp;with no excessive words that only distract attention.