Answer:
x= 34, and y = 10.
The age of the uncle is 34 years and
The age of the nephew is 10 years now.
Explanation:
Let x and y represent the ages of the uncle and nephew now respectively.
Given that;
The sum of the ages of an uncle and nephew 2 years ago was 40
(x-2) + (y-2) = 40
x+y -4 = 40
x+y = 40+4
x+y = 44 .......1
In 2 years time from now the age of the uncle will be 3 times that of his nephew by then.
(x+2) = 3(y+2)
x+2 = 3y+6
Collecting the like terms;
x-3y = 6-2
x-3y = 4 ..........2
Solving the simultaneous equation;
Subtracting equation 2 from 1
x+y - (x-3y) = 44-4
y+3y = 40
4y = 40
y = 40/4 = 10
y = 10
Substituting y = 10 into equation 1;
x + 10 = 44
x = 44-10
x = 34
The age of the uncle is 34 years and
The age of the nephew is 10 years now.