Math  /  Algebra

QuestionPat is 20 years older than his son James. In two years Pat will be twice as old as James. How old are they now?

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? How old are Pat and James right now, given their age difference and a future age ratio? Watch out! Don't mix up present and future ages!
Keep track of who's who!

STEP 2

1. Set up variables
2. Create equations
3. Solve for James's age
4. Solve for Pat's age

STEP 3

Let's **define** some variables to make things easier!
Let JJ be James's **current age** and PP be Pat's **current age**.
This will help us keep everything organized!

STEP 4

We know Pat is 20\textbf{20} years older than James *right now*.
So, we can write that as an equation: P=J+20P = J + 20.
See how neat that is?

STEP 5

In two\textbf{two} years, Pat's age will be P+2P + 2 and James's age will be J+2J + 2.
At that time, Pat will be *twice* as old as James.
So, another equation pops up: P+2=2(J+2)P + 2 = 2 \cdot (J + 2).
Awesome!

STEP 6

Now, let's **substitute** the first equation (P=J+20P = J + 20) into the second equation: (J+20)+2=2(J+2)(J + 20) + 2 = 2 \cdot (J + 2).
This way, we get an equation with only JJ, which we can solve!

STEP 7

Let's **simplify** things: J+22=2J+4J + 22 = 2J + 4.
Looks much better, right?

STEP 8

Now, **subtract** JJ from both sides: 22=J+422 = J + 4.
Almost there!

STEP 9

Finally, **subtract** 44 from both sides to find James's current age: 18=J18 = J.
So, James is currently 18\textbf{18} years old!

STEP 10

Let's use the first equation (P=J+20P = J + 20) again, but this time we know J=18J = 18.
So, P=18+20P = 18 + 20.

STEP 11

Adding those up, we get P=38P = 38.
Pat is currently 38\textbf{38} years old!

STEP 12

James is currently 18\textbf{18} years old, and Pat is currently 38\textbf{38} years old.

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