Sam is three times as old as his son Ray. Four years ago, Sam was 4 times his son Ray's age. Find their present ages.

Ray's present age is 12; and

Sam's present age is 36

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the son's present age=x

Sam is three times as old as his son Ray.

Therefore, Sam's age = 3x

Their ages four years ago are:

Ray = x-4 Sam = 3x-4

Four years ago, Sam was 4 times his son Ray's age.

Therefore:

Sam's age = 4*Ray's age

3x-4=4 (x-4)

Open the brackets

3x-4=4x-16

Collect like terms

4x-3x=16-4

x=12

Therefore:

Ray's present age is 12; and

Sam's present age is 3*12=36