Pamela is 8 yrs younger than John. In 5 yrs the sum of their ages will be 40. What is their present ages

3 answers

John is X yrs. old.
Pamela is (X-8) yrs. old.

5x + 5(x-8) = 40.
X = ?, (x-8) = ?.

The numbers don't add-up; check your problem for typos.
John --- x
Pam ----- x-8

in 5 years:
John --- x+5
Pam --- x-8+5 = x-3

x+5 + x-3 = 40
2x = 38
x = 19

john is now 19 and Pam is 11

check:
in 5 years:
John is 24, Pam is 16
sum = 24+16 = 40
My answer is correct
Thanks, Reiny! I see my mistake now: I should have added instead of multiplying.