To solve any questions relating to ages, I find it easier to make a table, like in the picture below.
<u>See picture for answer and clear diagram.</u>
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<u>Notes/Explanations + answer in written form</u>
Let's say that Halley's age now is: x
That means that her age in 18 years is: x + 18
It also means that her age 2 years ago is: x - 2
In the question, we are told that when Halley is 18 years older than her current age, she will be 5 times the age she was when she was 2 years younger than her current age
That means:
<u>Halley's current age + 18 years = 5 times (Halley's current age - 2 years)</u>
So we get this equation (which we solve to get the answer) :
<u>x + 18 = 5 * (x -2) </u> <em> ( expand the brackets)</em>
x + 18 = 5x - 10 <em> (subtract x from both sides)</em>
18 = 4x - 10 <em>(add 10 to both sides)</em>
28 = 4x <em>(now divide both sides by 4)</em>
7 = x
Therefore, Halley's current age is 7 years
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Note: equation is: x + 18 = 5 * (x -2)
