Question

The sum of Cathy's and Tony's ages is 65. Eight years ago, Cathy's age was 2/5 of Tony's age. How old are they now?

Answer 1

Let
x------> Cathy's ages
y------> Tony's ages

we know that
x+y=65-----> x=65-y-----> equation 1
y-8=(2/5)*(x-8)-----> equation 2

substitute equation 1 in equation 2
y-8=(2/5)*(65-y-8)---> y-8=22.8-0.4y----> y+0.4y=22.8+8
1.4y=30.8-----> y=22
x=65-y-----> x=65-22----> x=43

the answer is
Cathy's ages is 43 years 
Tony's ages is 22 years