Final answer:
By using algebraic equations, we determined that Amina is 6 years old and James is 17 years old, based on the given relationship between their ages now and in 5 years.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves setting up and solving algebraic equations to find the present ages of James and Amina. If we let A represent Amina's current age, then James's current age will be A + 11. In 5 years, Amina's age will be A + 5 and James's age will be (A + 11) + 5. According to the problem, in 5 years, James will be twice as old as Amina, so we have the equation (A + 11) + 5 = 2(A + 5). Solving this equation, we first simplify it to A + 16 = 2A + 10, and then we subtract A from both sides to get 16 = A + 10. Subtracting 10 from both sides gives us A = 6, which means Amina is 6 years old currently. Consequently, James is 6 + 11 = 17 years old.