Bob is 10 years older than Brenda. Next year he will be twice her age. What are their ages?

Question

Need help with solving the above word problem

Answer 1

Bob's age = x Brenda's age = y

today x = y + 10

a year from now Bob will be x + 1 years old, Brenda will be y + 1 years old and x + 1 = 2(y +1)

solve one equation for either x or y and then substitute into the other equation

(y+10) + 1 = 2(y+1)

y + 11 = 2y + 2

-y -   2    -y  - 2

9 = y

x = (9) + 10

x =19

 

check answers

19 = 9 + 10

19 = 19

 

19 + 1 = 2 (9 + 1)

20 = 2 (10)

20 = 20