Word Problem - College Level

Linda is 4 years older than Allyson. Two years ago Linda’s age was three times Allyson’s age. Find the age of each girl now.

Solution: Allyson is 4 years old and Linda is 8 years old

steps:
Allysons age now = x
Linda’s age now = x + 4

Allyson’s age two years ago = x – 2
Linda’s age two years ago = x + 4 – 2 = x + 2

Also, two years ago Linda’s age was three times Allyson’s age = 3 (x-2)

In order to set up the equation, we equate the girl’s ages from two years ago and solve for x as follows:

x + 2 = 3 ( x – 2)
x + 2 = 3x – 6
Isolate the variable:
x – 3x = - 6 – 2
-2x = -8
x = -8/-2 = 4

Now we know that Allyson’s age now = 4 years old. We substitute for x to find Linda’s age:
Linda’s age = 4 + 4 = 8 yearls old.

©Copyright 2007.Najwa S. Hirn. All rights reserved.