Robert will always be 26 years older than Matt. In 4 years when Robert is 3 times the age of Matt, the difference in their ages will be twice Matt's age. This difference is still 26 years. So Matt's age will be 13 years. His age now is 13-4 = 9 and Robert's age now is 9+26 = 35.
Robert is 26 years older than Matt,
so in 4 years Robert will be 3 times the age of Matt,
how old is Robert now?
R - 26 = M
R + 4 = 3(M + 4)
30 = 2M + 12
M = 9
Robert is now 35 years old.
Create a system of equations
R = Robert's age M = Matt's age
R=M+26
R=3M <<in four years, so we'll subtract our final answer by 4
***
MULTIPLY [R=M+26] by 3
MULTIPLY [R=3M] by (-1)
The new system will be:
3R=3M+78
-R=-3M
***
SOLVE
3R = 3M +78
-R = -3M
-------------------------
2R = 0M +78
***
New equation: 2R=78
DIVIDE both sides by 2
(2R)/2=78/2
R=39
***
R=39-4
R=35