Thank you

I believe there is a slight careless mistake because of the many numbers in the equation.

Correct is

(M - 5) = 4 x (J - 5) --> it was actually "4 times"
(M + 2) = 3 x (J + 2)

Sharif, I have included my explanations in the main chat text box. Algebraic approaches are probably a little too advanced for you at your level, even though I know that the tutor has tried to explain the algebraic concepts in the simplest way possible.

For the first equation,
(M - 5) = 4 x (J - 5)
M - 5 = 4J - 20
M = 4J - 20 + 5
M = 4J - 15

For the second equation,
(M + 2) = 3 x (J + 2)
M + 2 = 3J + 6
M = 3J + 6 - 2
M = 3J + 4

Both represent the same "mother", so

4J - 15 = 3J + 4
4J - 3J = 15 + 4
J = 19

so Jane's current age is 19.

The mother's current age is M, or (3 x 19) + 4 = 57 + 4 = 61.

Oh Eric you are correct. Sorry about the mistake - Apologies Sharif as well. But the concept remains :-)

Hi Eric, thanks for the answer & explanation.

Hi Celio, is ok. We learn together :)