Mary is 3 times as old as Janet. Three years ago, she was 5 times as old as Janet. Find their ages now.

Question

find there ages now

Answer 1

j = Janets age now

3j = Mary's age now

 

j - 3 = Janet's age three years ago

3j - 3 = Mary's age three years ago

 

three years ago Mary = 5 times Jane

 

3j - 3 = 5(j - 3)

3j - 3 = 5j - 15

3j +12 = 5j

12 = 2j

6 = j

 

Janet is 6 and Mary is 18.