Present ages:
x + y = 58
y = 58 - x
Let Patrick's age be x
Mako's age be 58 - x
Ages eight years ago ( minus 8):
Patrick's: x - 8
Mako's: 58 - x - 8 or 50 - x
Equation:
x - 8 = 2 (50 - x)
x - 8 = 100 - 2x
x + 2x = 100 + 8
3x = 108
3x/3 = 108/3
x = 36
Present ages:
Patrick's: x = 36 years old
Mako's: 58 - x = 58 - 36 = 22 years old
Answer: Mako is 22 years old.
Check:
36 + 22 = 58
58 = 58
Ages Eight years ago:
Patrick's age 8 years ago: 36 - 8 = 28 years old
Mako's age 8 years ago: 22 - 8 = 14 years old
Patrick's age was twice Mako's age 8 years ago:
28 = 2 (14)
28 = 28
