A triceratops has two children. One is 3 times older than the other. Together, their age is 50 months. How old are they each?

Question

This is a story problem...

Answer 1

Hi Emmi!

 

So think of it this way: the younger one is "m" months old, and the older one is "3 times m" months old.

 

Together, the "m" and the "3 times m" add up to 50 months, or m + 3m = 50, or 4m = 50

 

If 4m = 50, that means that just 1 m will be 50 divided by 4.

 

50 divided by 4 = 12.5 (or 12 and a half).

 

So the younger one is 12.5 months, and the older one, who is 3 times as old, is 37.5 months.

 

37.5 + 12.5 = 50, so your answer checks!

 

Hope this helps.

 

Matt in New York