Jack is 3 times as old as Lacy. 4 years from now the sum of their ages will be 44. How old are they now

Question

Please help me with this word problme

 

Answer 1

Hi Bri

 

Let J = Jack's age now

L = Lacy's age now

 

The first sentence tells us

J = 3L

 

The second sentence says

(J + 4) + (L+4) = 44

 

Substitute J = 3L in the 2nd equation

(3L+4) + (L+4) = 44

 

Combine terms and solve for L

4L + 8 = 44

4L = 36

L = 9

Then, J = 3L = 27

 

Lacy is 9

Jack is 27

 

Answer 2

If we call Lacy's age "x," we can get the elements for a formula:

 

x = Lacy's age

3x = Jack's age

+4 = "4 years from now"

 

Thus:

 

(x + 3x) + 4 = "Lacy's age" + "Jack's age" + 4 = 44

 

So:

 

x + 3x + 4 = 44

 

Now, solve for "x"