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?

Answer 1

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.