Bryan is 68 years old.
Adam is 36 years old.
A few years ago, Bryan was 3 times as old as Adam.
- How many years ago was Bryan 3 times as old as Adam?
- How old was Bryan then?
|
Bryan |
Adam |
Difference |
Before |
3 u |
1 u |
2 u |
Change |
+ ? |
+ ? |
|
After |
68 |
36 |
32 |
(a)
For Bryan to be 3 times as old as Adam,
Adam's age = 1 u
Bryan's age = 3 u
Difference in their age
= 3 u - 1 u
= 2 u
Age difference between Bryan and Adam
= 68 - 36
= 32
2 u = 32
1 u = 32 ÷ 2 = 16
Number of years' ago that Bryan was 3 times as old as Adam
= 36 - 16
= 20
(b)
Bryan's age 20 years ago
= 3 u
= 3 x 16
= 48
Answer(s): (a) 20; (b) 48