College Algebra

[carbonz03]

I would appreciate any help I can get on this word problem, it has me at a loss. Thanks guys!

Sydney's present age is one-half of Marcus's present age. In 3 years, Sydney's age will be five-ninths of Marcus's age. Find their present ages.

 

[mmm4444bot]

Hi Carbonz:

It's hard to tutor virtual students when they don't say much. What do you need? Where did you get stuck?

Always start by picking symbols to represent the unknown numbers for which the exercise asks, and write them down.

S = Sydney's present age

M = Marcus' present age

We can now express given relationships, using these symbols.

For example, we're told the following.

S = (1/2)M

Do you realize that their ages in three years will be S + 3 and M + 3 ?

Can you write an equation to model: Sydney's age (in 3 years) will be five-ninths of Marcus's age (in 3 years) ?

You'll then have a system of two equations, which can be solved for S and M, using a variety of methods. I have no idea what you already know about this stuff.

In the future, please show some work, or explain what you're thinking, so that we have an opportunity to determine the guidance you need.

 

[carbonz03]

Thanks 3334444bot. Sorry for the lack of information, it was a last minute decision to post it and I did not have much time to do it. I did eventually get the answer, 12 and 24. Thanks again and in the future I will be sure to show some work!