Question

The sum of the ages of nicole and kristin is 32. in two years nicole will be three times as old as kristin. how old are they now?

Answer 1

Let nicole = x, kristin = y

x + y = 32
x = 32 - y

x + 2 = 3(y + 2)
x + 2 = 3y + 6
32 - y + 2 = 3y + 6
34 - y = 3y + 6
34 - 6 = 3y + y
28 = 4y
y = 28 : 4
y = 7

x + y = 32
x + 7 = 32
x = 32 - 7
x = 25

Nicole's age is 25 years old.
Kristin's age is 7 years old.

Answer 2

Let Kristin's age= x
Nicole's age= 32-x

As in two years Nicole will be three times as old Kristin:

Nicole= 3(32-x+2)
=>3(34-x)

Kristin= x+2

Firstly to find Kristin's age;

x+2=3(34-x)
=> x+2=102-3x
=>x+3x=102-2
=>4x=100
$x = \frac{100}{4}$
=>x=25

Therefore Kristin's age= 25
Nicole's age=32-25
=7

Hope this helps you..