Problema Solution

The sum of the ages of Brendan and Ashton is 118 years. 9 years ago, Brendan's age was 4 times Ashton's age. How old is Brendan now?

Answer provided by our tutors

Let

x = Ashton's present age

y = Brendan's present age

9 years ago Ashton was x - 9 years old.

9 years ago Brendan was y - 9 years old.

The sum of their ages is 118 years:

x + y = 118

9 years ago, Brendan's age was 4 times Ashton's age means:

y - 9 = 4(x - 9)

We have the following system of equations:

x + y = 118

y - 9 = 4(x - 9)

........

click here to see the system of equations solved for x and y

........

x = 29 years

y = 89 years

Brendan is 89 years old now.