Question

In two years, Winston who is eight years older than Xavier, will be twice as old as Xavier. How old is each one now?

Answer 1

w=winston's age
x=xavier's age


winston is 8 years older than xavier
w=8+x

in 2 years, winston will be twice as old as xavier
w+2=2(x+2)

we have
w=8+x and
w+2=2(x+2)
subsitute 8+x for w

w+2=2(w+2)
8+x+2=2(x+2)
x+10=2(x+2)
x+10=2x+4
minus x both sides
10=x+4
minus 4 both sides
6=x

sub back
w=8+x
w=8+6
w=14

winston is 14 years old now
xavier is 6 years old now