Martina is currently 14 years older than her cousin Joey. In 5 years she will be 3 times as old as Joey. What are their ages?

1 Answer
Nov 13, 2016

Joey is 2 years old now and Martina is 16 years old now.

Explanation:

You are comparing the ages of two people and at two different periods of time - the present and in 5 years time.

Let the present age of the younger cousin (Joey) be #x# years.

Martina is 14 years older now. Her age is #(x+14)# years

In 5 years time , they will both be 5 years older than they are now:

Joey will be #x+5 " and " #Martina will be #(x+14)+5 = x+19#

Joey's age, times 3, will be equal to Martina's age....

#3 xx (x+5) = x+19" "larr# solve the equation

#3x+15 = x+19#

#2x = 19-15#

#2x = 4#

#x = 2" "larr# Joey is 2 years old now

Check: Joey is 2 and Martina is 2+14 = 16

In 5 years time: Joey will be 7 and Martina will be 21.

#3xx7 = 21#