Final answer:
Using a system of equations, we found that Jerry is currently 11 years old, and Jennifer is 4 years old, based on the given information that Jerry is 7 years older than Jennifer and will be twice her age in three years.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves determining the present ages of Jerry and Jennifer using a system of equations. We let Jerry's age be X and Jennifer's age be Y. The first equation is X = Y + 7, because Jerry is 7 years older than Jennifer. The second equation is X + 3 = 2(Y + 3), which represents that in three years, Jerry will be twice as old as Jennifer.
So, let's solve this system of equations step-by-step:
- Write down the given equations:
X = Y + 7 (1)
X + 3 = 2(Y + 3) (2) - Substitute the value of X from equation (1) into equation (2):
Y + 7 + 3 = 2(Y + 3) - Simplify and solve for Y:
Y + 10 = 2Y + 6
10 - 6 = Y
Y = 4 - Now that we have Y, plug it back into equation (1) to find X:
X = 4 + 7
X = 11
Therefore, Jerry is 11 years old and Jennifer is 4 years old currently.