Question

Dorothy is 14 years younger then Rita. Ten years ago, rita was 3 times as old as dorothy was then. how old is each now?
step by step plz :)

Answer 1

Dorothy = Rita - 14 (1)
3(Dorothy-10) = Rita-10 (2)

Subs 1 into 2

3(Rita - 14 - 10) = Rita - 10

Rita - 24 = 1/3(Rita-10)

Rita(1-1/3) = 24-10/3

Rita(2/3) = 62/3

Rita = 31
Dorothy = Rita - 14
Dorothy = 31-14 = 17

Rita is 31 years old and Dorothy is 17. Ten years ago, Dorothy was 7 and Rita was 21.