one half of john's age two years from now, plus one third of his age three years ago, is 20 years, how old is john?

Question

if x is john how old is he?

Answer 1

Good start with the x.  Sometimes these are best understood if you go backwards.

 

20 = (x-3)/3 + (x+2)/2

 

Get rid of the fractions!

 

120 = 2(x-3) + 3(x+2)

120 = 2x - 6 + 3x + 6

120 = 5x

x = 24

 

Check to see if it works.