Create an Equation and Solve

star_shine_84

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Oct 12, 2011
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I have been given this question:

Tom is three times as old as Susan today. In two years, Tom will be twice as old as Susan. How old are Tom and Susan today?

I need to create an algebraic equation and then solve.

This is what I have done:


Let S represent Susan's age.

3S + 2 = 2S
3S + 2 - 2 = 2S - 2
3S = 2S - 2
3S - 2S = 2S - 2S - 2
S = -2

Obviously this is wrong since Susan can't be -2 years old. Can anyone help??

Thanks :)
 
Try

T = 3S - Tom is 3 times as old as Susan is today.

(T + 2) = 2(S + 2) - In two years, Tom will be 2 times as old as Susan is then.
 
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