Five years ago Kate was five times as

Question

old as her son.
Five years hence her age will be
eight lessthan three times the
corresponding age of her son. Find their present ages.

Answer 1

Let Kate = k, let her son = s

k - 5 = 5(s - 5)
(You have to take 5 years from both their ages)
k = 5s - 20 (1)

k + 5 = 3(s + 5) - 8
k = 3s + 2 (2)

sub (2) into (1)
5s - 20 = 3s + 2
2s = 22
s = 11

sub into (1)
k = 5 x 11 - 20
k = 35