Andy is 2 year older than jeff. in 5 years the sum of their ages will be 40 years . find their ages now provide a complete algebraic solution

Andy's age            = x
Jeff's age              = x-2
Andy's age in five years            = x+5
Jeff's age in five years              = x-2+5
The sum of their ages in five years        = x+5 + x-2+5

                                       x + 5 + x - 2 + 5 = 40
                                         2x + 8 = 40
                                             -8        -8
                                              2x = 32
                                              :2      :2
                                               x = 16
x - 2 = 14

Andy is 16 years old and Jeff is 14 years old