Question

Adele is 5 years older than Timothy. In three years, Timothy will be 2/3 of Adele’s age. What is Adele’s current age?

Answer 1

Answer:

12

Step-by-step explanation:

Let a = Adele's current age

Let t = Timothy's current age

Adele is 5 years older than Timothy:

a = t + 5       {equation 1}

In 3 years Timothy will be 2/3 of Adele's age:

(2/3)(a + 3) = t + 3     {equation 2}

Since we are looking for Adele's age, let's rearrange equation 1 to:

t = a - 5

Substitute that into equation 2 and solve for a.

(2/3)(a+3) = a - 5 + 3

(2/3)(a + 3) = a - 2

Multiply through by 3 to clear the fraction

2(a+3) = 3a - 6

2a + 6 = 3a - 6

Add 6 to both sides, subtract 2a from both sides

12 = a

Adele is 12 years old

This means Timothy is 7 years old.

Check equation 2 to verify:

(2/3)(a + 3) = t + 3

(2/3)(12+3) = 7 + 3

(2/3)(15) = 10

10 = 10

Answer is correct