A half of what johns age was 4 years ago is equal to one third of what it will be in 5 years time. How old is John now

Question

The chapter is about algebraic manipulation 

Answer 1

Let x = John's age now

• half of what johns age was 4 years ago: (1/2)(x-4)
• is equal to one third of what it will be in 5 years time: (1/3)(x+5)

 

(1/2)(x-4) = (1/3)(x+5)

 

3(x-4) = 2(x+5)

 

3x - 12 = 2x + 10

 

Solve for x.