Ok, can someone help me understand this question?

Coach Johnson is 10 years older than Tim. When Tim started football 3 years ago, Coach Johnson was twice his age. How old is Tim now?

Or at least help me with a formula to figure it out, I am just stumped.

Question

Ok, can someone help me understand this question? 

Coach Johnson is 10 years older than Tim. When Tim started football 3 years ago, Coach Johnson was twice his age. How old is Tim now?

Or at least help me with a formula to figure it out, I am just stumped.

anonymous · Answer

Let's call Coach Johnson's age x, and Tim's age y.  So you know that $$x+10=y$$ You also know that 3 years ago, Coach Johnson's age would be x-3 and Tim's would be y-3.  If Coach Johnson was twice his age back then, then$$2(x-3)=y-3$$  You have a system of two equations with two unknowns, now solv!

anonymous · Answer

Solve for x and y that is.

anonymous · Answer

Oh wow, lol I feel silly, thank you for the formula.

anonymous · Answer

Woops, I made a mistake!  The 2nd equation should be $$(x-3)=2(y-3)$$ Hope that helps.