Question

Michael is 3 times as old as Brandon. 18 years ago, Michael was 9 times as old as Brandon.

Answer 1

Answer: Brandon is 24, Michael is 72.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let m represent Michael

Let b represent Brandon

Then,

m = 3b                    <-----------"Michael is 3 times as old as Brandon."  

m - 18 = 9(b - 18)    <-----------"18 years ago, Michael was 9 times as old as Brandon."  

3b - 18 = 9b - 162

-18 = 6b - 162

144 = 6b

Michael is 3 times as old as Brandon. Also, 18 years ago, Brandon would have been 6 and Michael would have been 54 meaning Michael was 9 times as old as Brandon 18 years ago.