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8. The sum of the ages of Sarpong and Quartey is 50 years. In five years time, the age of Quartey will be four times the age of Sarpong now. How old is each boy?​

1 Answer

10 votes

Answer:

Sarpong is 11.

Quartey is 39.

Explanation:

Let Sarpong's age now = s.

Let Quartey's age now = q.

Now:

q + s = 50

In five years, their ages will be

Sarpong: s + 5

Quartey: q + 5

q + 5 = 4s

We have a system of two equations in two variables.

q + s = 50

q + 5 = 4s

We will use the substitution method.

Solve the second equation for q.

q = 4s - 5

Substitute 4s - 5 for q in the first original equation and solve for s.

4s - 5 + s = 50

5s = 55

s = 11

q + s = 50

q + 11 = 50

q = 39

Answer:

Sarpong is 11.

Quartey is 39.

User Josh Bruce
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