Let F be the father's current age, and E be Evie's current age. F = E + 36 this is the current relation between the ages F + 3 = 5(E + 3) this the relationship in 3 year (hence the + 3) Then solve by substituting one equation into another: (E + 36) + 3 = 5(E + 3) E + 39 = 5E + 15 24 = 4E 6 = E Evie's current age is 6.