Paul is 20 years older than joy four years ago; the ratio of their ages was 7:3 find the present age of Paul.
Given, Paul is 20 years older than Joy. Four years ago the ratio of their ages was 7:3.
Let,the current age of Joy be x
if Joy's current age = x , then paul's current age is x + 20
Thus,
Ages four years ago:
Joy = x - 4
Paul = x + 20 - 4
= x + 16
According to question, `"(x+16)"/"(x-4)"` = `7/3`
= 3 (x + 16) = 7 (x - 4)
= 3x + 48 = 7x - 28
= 3x -7x = -28 -48
= -4x = -76
= 4x = 76
= x = `76/4`
= x = 19
Thus, Joy's (x) current age is 19 and Paul's current age is\(x + 20) = 19 + 20 = 39