Max and his friend zeke are comparing their ages. they figure out that if they double maxs age from 3 years ago and add it to zekes current age,the sum is 26. if zeke is currently 8 years old, determine how old max currently is

Let m be max's age
Let z be zekes age
2m+z=26
Sub in zekes age
2m+8=26
2m=26-8
2m=18
M=18/2
M=9
Remember: this is Max's age THREE YEARS AGO. Therefore, add three to get his current age
9+3=12
Therefore, Max is currently 12
Hope this helps!