How old is Tom now?

Question

Tom is three years less than twice Mary's age. Five years ago the sum of their ages was thirty-five.

Answer 1

T= 2M-3

T-5 + M-5 = 35

T+M =45

T=45-M

2M-3 = 45-M

3M = 48

M = 16 years old for Mary now

T = 45-16 = 29 years old for Tom now