Beth is 2 years older than Jimmy, and in 3 years the sum of their ages will be twice as much as the sum of their ages 3 years ago. Find their present ages.

Question

please help please :(

Answer 1

Here's what we know:

b = j + 2 (Beth is 2 years older than Jimmy)

2((b - 3) + (j - 3)) = (b + 3) + (j + 3) (If we multiply their ages from 3 years ago by 2, that will equal their ages in 3 years from now)

 

We have a value for b, so plug it in:

2((j + 2 - 3) + (j - 3)) = (j + 2 + 3) + (j + 3)

Simplify:

2(2j - 4) = 2j + 8

Distribute:

4j - 8 = 2j + 8

Isolate j:

2j = 16

j = 8

You can find Beth's age from here and check the work, I'm sure.