
Lale A. answered 09/26/24
Mastering Linear Algebra with Precision and Clarity
Step 1: Create an equation based on the future ages
In 5 years, the son will be x+5 years old, and the mother will be (x+30)+5=x+35 years old. According to the problem, in 5 years, the mother will be 4 times as old as her son. This gives the equation: x+35=4(x+5)
Step 2: Solve the equation
Now, let's solve for x. To solve this, we need to simplify and isolate x (the son's current age).
Expand the right-hand side of the equation:
x+35=4(x+5)
Apply the distributive property to expand 4(x+5):
x+35=4x+20
Move the terms involving x to one side of the equation. Subtract x from both sides:
35=3x+20
Isolate the constant term. Subtract 20 from both sides to move the constants to one side:
35−20=3x
Simplifying gives:
15=3x
Solve for x by dividing both sides by 3:
x= \frac{15}{3} = 5
So, the son's current age is x=5.
Step 3: Verify the solution
The current age of the son is 5 years. The mother is currently 5+30=35 years old. In 5 years, the son will be 5+5=10 years old, and the mother will be 35+5=40 years old. Indeed, 40 is 4 times 10, so the solution is correct.