Final answer:
To solve this problem, we need to set up equations using the given information. Paul's age is x and Harry's age is 3x. In five years, the sum of their ages will be 50.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve this problem, we need to set up equations using the given information. Let's say that Paul's age is x. According to the given information, Harry is three times as old as Paul, so Harry's age is 3x.
In five years, Paul's age will be x + 5, and Harry's age will be 3x + 5. The sum of their ages in five years will be 50, so we can write the equation:
(x + 5) + (3x + 5) = 50
Simplifying the equation, we get:
4x + 10 = 50
Subtracting 10 from both sides, we get:
4x = 40
Dividing both sides by 4, we get:
x = 10
Therefore, Paul's age is 10 and Harry's age is 3 times that, which is 30.