If James were twice as old as he is now, he'd be three times as old as he was three years ago. How old is James now?

Answer 1

James is 9 years old.

To solve using multiplication & subtraction:

9 x 2 = 18

9 - 3 = 6

6 x 3 = 18

To solve using division:

18 ÷ 2 = 9 years old

18 ÷ 3 = 6 years old

The key is to find a number (or several numbers) that are divisible by both 2 and 3. From there, you select the number that is 3 years apart, which results in ages 6 and 9. Leaving the result that James is now 9 years old.

Answer 2

Create formula (equation) based on what is given, then solve this formula for x:

x = Current Age

2x = 3*(x-3)

Two times current age (2x) equals 3 times the {age at 3 years ago (x-3)}

Simplify the above equation:

2x=3*x-3*3

2x=3x-9

you want the variable x to appear only on one side of the equation, therefore

changes to each side (add to each side the following):

+9-2x = +9-2x

Write it out:

2x+9-2x = 3x-9 +9 -2x

9 +2x -2x = -9 +9 +3x -2x

9 = 1x

9 = x

or

x=9

Answer:

he now is 9 years old

Double check the solution of 9 years old:

9 times 2 = 18

9 less 3 = 6, and 6 times 3 = 18

Answer 3

suppose James is x year old now. Then,

2x-3=3(x-3)

solving for x and get x=6

So James is 6 year old now.