x + y = 41
y = 41-x
Present Ages:
Dorothy's age: x
Dorileen's age: 41-x
Ages in 5 years (add 5):
Dorothy: x + 5
Dorileen: 41 - x + 5 = (41+5) - x = 46 - x
Equation: In five years, Dorothy will be twice as old as Dorileen
x + 5 = 2(46 - x)
x + 5 = 92 - 2x
2x + x = 92 - 5
3x = 87
3x/3 = 87/3
x = 29
Substitute x with 29:
Present ages:
Dorothy: x = 29 years old
Dorileen: 41 - x ⇒ 41 - 29 = 12 years old
FINAL ANSWER:
Ages 3 years ago (less 3):
Dorothy: 29-3 = 26 years old
Dorileen: 12 - 3 = 9 years old.
