Question

Harvey is 3 times as old as Jane. The sum of their ages is 48 years. Find the age of each.

Answer 1

Alright, let's answer this -

Half of 48 is 24... 

Half of 24 is 12...

12 three times is 36...

36 + 12 is equal to 48. =)

Answer 2

H = Harvey
j = Jane

Harvey is 3 times as old as Jane = 3 times j

The sum of their ages is 48 years.

sum = addition
 
The keyword is means use a equal sign so..

h + j = 48

h = 3 times j

3j + j = 48
4j = 48
4j / 4 = 48 /4 
j = 12

j = 12

Now lets find for Harvey. Harvey = 3 times j

Harvey = 3j = 3 times 12 = 36

Jane = 12
Harvey = 36