Question

Carlos is 8 years older than Maria. 4 years ago maria was two thirds as old as Carols. How old are they?

Answer 1

Let Carlos age be 'x'

Let Maria's age be 'y'

From first condition,

x=y+8

x-y=8 -------- eq 1

From second condition,

y-4 = 2x ÷ 3

3y = 2x + 4

-2x+3y = 4 ---------eq 2

Multiplying eq 1 by 3

3x-3y = 24 -------- eq 3

Adding eq 3 and eq 2

3x-3y = 24

-2x+3y = 4

_________

1x = 28

x = 24

Substituting x=24 in eq 1

24 - y = 8

24-8 = y

16 = y

y = 16

The age of Carlos is 24

The age of Maria is 16