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2015 AMC 10A Problem 8

Problem 8 of 25EasierAlgebra

Two years ago Pete was three times as old as his cousin Claire. Two years before that, Pete was four times as old as Claire. In how many years will the ratio of their ages be 2:1?2:1?

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Solution

Let pp and cc be Pete’s and Claire’s current ages respectively. Then we have that p−2=3(c−2) p - 2 = 3(c - 2) and p−4=4(c−4). p - 4 = 4(c - 4). Simplifying both equations gives us p=3c−4 p = 3c - 4 and p=4c−12. p = 4c - 12. Setting them equal, we have 3c−4=4c−12 3c - 4 = 4c - 12 c=8. c = 8. This means that p=3⋅8−4=20. p = 3 \cdot 8 - 4 = 20. Now, we need to find the number of years (yy) until 20+y=2(8+y), 20 + y = 2(8 + y), which gives us 20+y=16+2y 20 + y = 16 + 2y y=4. y = 4. Thus, B is the correct answer.
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Tagged: ages · system of equations

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