The sum of the ages of Peter and Paul is 24. Five years ago their respective ages were in the ratio 3:4. How old will they be in three years time?

16 and 14 years old.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let their ages be x and y years, then

x + y = 24 (1)

Also from the given information

(x - 5)/ (y - 5) = 3/4

3y - 15 = 4x - 20

3y - 4x = -5

Multiplying equation (1) by 3:

3y + 3x = 72

Subtracting these last 2 equations:

-7x = -77

x = 11.

So y = 24 - 11 = 13.

So in 3 years time they will be 16 and 14.