AGE WORD PROBLEM

Question

set up linear equation and solve. a fathers age is now five times that of his born son. six years from now the old man age will be three times that his first born son. find each age

Answer 1

Here's what we know:

f = 5s (the father us currently 5 times his son's age)

f + 6 = 3(s + 6) (six years from now, he'll be 3 times his son's age)

 

We have a value for f, can use substitution to solve this:

5s + 6 = 3(s + 6)

Distribute:

5s + 6 = 3s + 18

Subtract 3s:

2s + 6 = 18

Subtract 6:

2s = 12

s = 6

 

You can solve for f and check the answer from here.