Question

Beth is 2 years older than Jimmy, and in 3 years the sum of their ages will be twice as much as the sum of their ages 3 years ago. Find their present ages.

Answer 1

Jimmy - j years now
Beth -(j+2) years now

In 3 years
Jimmy - (j+3)
Beth -(j+2+3)=(j+5)

j+3 + j+5=(2j+8) - sum of their ages in 3 years

y years ago
Jimmy - (j-3)
Beth - (j+2-3)= (j-1)

j-3+j-1=(2j - 4) - sum of their ages in 3 years ago

(2j+8) =2(2j - 4)
2j+8 = 4j-8
2j = 16
j = 8

Jimmy - 8 years now
Beth - 8+2=10 years now