Russell is 6 years older than Samantha. In 4 years the sum of their ages will be 78. How old is Russell now?

Question

I have been having a lot of issues this problem. I can't figure out how to really answer this question.

Answer 1

r = s+6
in 4 years,
r+4 + s+4 = 78

so, now we can see that

(s+6)+4 + s+4 = 78
2s+14 = 78
2s = 64
s = 32

SO,

Samantha is 32 and Russell is 38
In 4 years, they will be 36 and 42 (sum = 78)