Question

The age of the older of two boys is twice that of the younger. 5 years ago it was three times that of the younger. What is the age of each?

Answer 1

The older boy is now 20, the younger boy is now 10

Explanation:

Let the age of the older boy now be y

let the age of the younger boy now be x

y = 2x

y-5 = 3(x-5)

simplifying
y = 3x - 10

substituting for y in equation 1
2x = 3x-10

simplifying
x = 10

substituting into 1
y = 20