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? {James is yrs., Joe is yrs.}

Answer 1

x = Joe's age  and y = James's age 
Joe is 10 years older than James - equation - x = y + 10 
In 8 years twice Joe's age will equal three times James's age - equation -
2(x+8) = 3(y+8) 

2(x+8) = 3(y+8) 
2(y + 10 +8) = 3(y+8) { substitute y + 10 for x 
2(y + 18) = 3(y + 8) 
2y + 36 = 3y + 24 
12 = y 

Joe is 22 and James is 12.