Question

Thomas is 4 years older than his brother william. in five years the sum of their age will be 24. how old is each boy?

Answer 1

Let William be x years old.

Thomas = (4 + x) years

In five years,

William = (x + 5) years

Thomas = 4 + x + 5 = (9 + x) years

Given, in five years sum of their ages is 24.

x + 5 + 9 + x = 24

2x + 14 = 24

2x = 24 - 14 

2x = 10

x = $\frac{10}{2}$

x = 5

Hence, William is 5 years old and Thomas is 9 years old.