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lawrence is twice as old as his friend jerome. jerome is 8 years older than pearl. in 8 years, lawrence will be three times as old as pearl. what would be the age of jerome, lawrence and pearl.?

Sagot :

Present ages:
   Rachel = x
   Jerome = x + 8     
   Lawrence = 2(x+8) or 2x + 16  

Ages in 8 years, future (present ages + 8)
   Rachel = x + 8
   Jerome = x + 8 + 8  or x + 16
   Lawrence = 2x + 16 + 8 or 2x + 24

Equation:  In 8 years, Lawrence will be 3 times as old as Pearl
   2x + 24 = 3 (x + 8)
   2x + 24 = 3x + 24
   3x - 2x = 24-24
   x = 0

Their ages at present:
   Rachel: x = 0   (baby)
   Jerome: x + 8 = 0 + 8 = 8 years old
   Lawrence:  2x+16 = 2(0) + 16 = 16 years old

Future, in 8 years:
   Rachel: 0 + 8 = 8 years old
   Jerome:  8 + 8 = 16 years old
   Lawrence: 16 + 8 = 24 years old