Question

Andrew is 3 times his son’s age. 10 years ago, he was 5 times his son’s age. What are their present ages? Show your work.

Answer 1

Let's solve this problem step-by-step.

STEP-BY-STEP SOLUTION:

We will be using simultaneous equations to solve this problem.

Let's establish the two equations we will be using to solve the problem.

Let Andrew's current age = a

Let Andrew's son's current age = s

Equation No. 1 -

a = 3s

Equation No. 2 -

a - 10 = 5s

To begin with, we will substitute the value of ( a ) from the first equation into the second equation to solve for ( s ).

Equation No. 2 -

a - 10 = 5s

( 3s ) - 10 = 5s

3s - 5s = 10

- 2s = 10

s = 10 / - 2

s = - 5

Next we will substitute the value of ( s ) from the second equation into the first equation to solve for ( a ).

Equation No. 1 -

a = 3s

a = 3 ( - 5 )

a = - 15

FINAL ANSWER:

Therefore, the present age of Andrew is - 15 and the present age of Andrew's son's is - 5.

It isn't possible for someone to be negative years old, but this is the answer that I ibtained from the equations.

Hope this helps! :)
Have a lovely day! <3