Jose is triple the age of Kevin. Kevin is also 16 years younger than Jose.

Answer 1

These used to confuse me, too!

j = 3k

k = j - 16

Now, we have what j equals and what k equals. We can then substitute either into the other equation.

j = 3(j - 16)

j = 3j - 48

-2j = -48

j = 24

k = 24 - 16

k = 8

Orrr...

k = 3k - 16

-2k = -16

k = 8

j = 3(8)

j = 24