John is four years younger than Paul who is p years old. How old will John be in two years?

Question

Write an expression for each statement and then simplify it, if possible.

Answer 1

Okay. So Paul is p years old

John is 4 years younger than Paul so,

John is p - 4 years old

 

In 2 years, John will be p - 4 + 2 years old or p - 2 years old assuming p is Paul's age now. However, in 2 years, Paul will be 2 years older so John will always be 4 years younger than Paul.

 

Answer 2

j = p - 4

 

In 2 years, John will be p - 4 + 2 years old, or p - 2 years old, since p is Paul's current age.