Question

Ishaan is 3 times as old as Christopher and is also 1 4 years older than Christopher. How old is Christopher?

Answer 1

1) The number must be greater than at least 14. This is because the limit is 14 years older.

let Ishaan = y, Christopher = x. Set the system of equation

y = 3x

y = x + 14

Set the two equations equal to each other

3x = x + 14

Simplify. Note the equal sign, what you do to one side, you do to the other. Isolate the variable

3x (-x) = x (-x) + 14

3x - x = 14

2x = 14

(2x)/2 = (14)/2

x = 14/2

x = 7

Christopher is 7 years old, Ishaan is 21 years old.

Check:

7 x 3 = 21 (True)

7 + 14 = 21 (True)

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Answer 2

If Ishaan is 3 times as old, their difference in ages is 2 times Christopher's age. Thus, Christopher's age is 14/2 = 7.