Question

Alfonso is 8 years older than Ashley. Five years ago Alfonso was three times as old as Ashley. How old is Ashley now?

Answer 1

Answer: 9 years

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the present age of Ashley be x.

Then the present age of Alfonso =x+8

Five years ago,

Ashley's age = x-5

Alfonso's age = x+8-5 = x+3

According to the question,

$x+3=3(x-5)\\\Rightarrow\ x+3=3x-15\\\Rightarrow\ 3x-x=3+15\\\Rightarrow\ 2x=18\\\Rightarrow\ x=\frac{18}{2}\\\Rightarrow\ x=9$

Hence, the present age of Ashley =9 years

Answer 2

Ashley should be 9 years of age.