Answer:
Tom is currently 5 and Bill is currently 11
Explanation:
Let b = Bill's current age
Let t = Tom's current age
We have 2 unknowns so we need to equations to solve for this.
b = t + 6
(b-3) = 4(t-3) We have to subtract 3 from both Tom and Bill's current age
b- 3 = 4t - 12 Distribute the 4 and then substitute in t + 6 for b.
t + 6 -3 = 4t -12 Combine like terms
t + 3 = 4t -12 Subtract t from both sides of the equation
3 = 3t - 12 Add 12 to both sides of the equation
15 = 3t Divide both sides by 3
5 = t Tom is 5. Since Bill is 6 years old, her is 11.
Check:
11 = 5+ 6
Three years ago, Tom would have been 2 and Bill would have been 8. Bill is four times older than Tom. 2x4 = 8.