Age problem - Franks is 3 years younger now than his brother James. Four years ago, Franks age was 1/2 James age. How old is each now?

Question

Franks is 3 years younger now than his brother James. Four years ago, Franks age was 1/2 James age. How old is each now?

Answer 1

F = J-3

F-4 = (J-4)/2

J-3 - 4 = (J-4)/2

J-7 = (J-4)/2

2(J-7) = J-4

2J - 14 = J - 4

J-14 = -4

J = 10

James is 10

Frank is 7

Answer 2

F + 3 = J

Let Frank be 7 and James be 10. Then, when Frank was 3, James was 6.