Question

Michael is 2 years older than his friend Jason. 16 years ago, Jason was half of Michael's age. how old is Jason now?

Answer 1

Answer:

The present age of Jason is $18$ years.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the present age of Jason be $x$ years.

Michael is $2$ years older than Jason.

So, the present age of Michael be $x+2$ years.

$16$ years ago,

Jason's age $=x-16$ years.

Michael' age $=x+2-16=x-14$ years.

According to the question, $16$ years ago, Jason was half of Michael's age.

So, $x-16=\frac{1}{2}(x-14)$

$\Rightarrow 2\left ( x-16 \right )=(x-14)$

$\Rightarrow 2x-32=x-14$

$\Rightarrow 2x-x=-14+32$

$\Rightarrow x=18$

Hence, the present age of Jason is $18$ years.