Use the three steps to solve the problem.
Joe is 10 years older than James. In 8 years, twice Joe's age will equal three times James's age. How old is each now?

Question

Use the three steps to solve the problem.
Joe is 10 years older than James. In 8 years, twice Joe's age will equal three times James's age. How old is each now?

anonymous · Answer

Let "Joe" = Joe's current age, and "James" = James' current age.

By the first constraint,

(Equation 1) Joe = James + 10

By the second constraint,

(Equation 2) 2 * (Joe + 8) = 3 * (James + 8)
(Equation 3) 2 * Joe + 16 = 3 * James + 24

Subtracting 2 * (Equation 1) from (Equation 3), we get

(Equation 4) 16 = James + 4
(Equation 5) James = 12

Substituting (Equation 5) back into (Equation 1), we see:

(Equation 6) Joe = 12 + 10 = 22.