Age Word Problem

Question

Penelope is 4 times as old as Jose. Jose is 3 years older the Elliot. If the sum of the age of all three is 57. How old is Jose? Any help I would appreciate it.

Answer 1

We know the least about Elliot.

That is where to assign the variable.

x is Elliot age, Penelope is P, Jose is J....

P = 4J

J = x+3

In terms of x,

P = 4(x+3) = 4x + 12

P + J + x = 57

4x+12 + x+3 + x = 57

6x + 15 = 57

6x = 42

x=7

Elliot is 7, Jose is 10, Penelope is 40