Question

Jamal is 22 years older than Autumn. In 4 years, the sum of their ages will be 72. How old are they now?

Jamal is
years old, and Autumn is
years old.

Answer 1

Lets say that Autumn's current age is: $\boxed{x}$

That means Jamal's age = $\boxed{x+22}$

In 4 years:

Autumn's age is:  $\boxed{x+4}$

Jamal's age is:     $x+22+4=\boxed{x+26}$

(you add 4 because in 4 years, they will be four years older)

Now that we've worked out their ages in 4 years, we can form an equation, and solve. Because their ages now add up to be equal to 72:

$(x+4)+(x+26)=72$

$2x+30=72$

$2x=42$

$\boxed{x=21}$

___________________________

So Autumns age is: 21   and

Jamal's age is: 21 + 22 = 43

___________________________________________

Answer:

Autumn = 21 years old

Jamal = 43 years old

____________________________________________

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask