Age Word Problems

Question

In three more years, Mitch's grandpa will be six times as old as Mitch was last year. When Mitch's present age is added to his grandfather's present  age, the total is 68. How old is each one now??

Answer 1

Let M = Mitch's age and let G = grandpa's age. M + G = 68; G + 3 = 6(M-1). So G = 68 - M, and G+3 = 6M-6.

Substitute G from 1st equation into 2nd equation: 68 - M + 3 = 6M - 6; 77 = 7M; M = 11. So Mitch is no 11, and grandpa is 68 - 11 = 57. Check: In 3 more years grandpa will be 60, which is 6 times Mitch's age last year, 10.