Adam is 55 years old.
Bryan is 31 years old.
A few years ago, Adam was 3 times as old as Bryan.
- How many years ago was Adam 3 times as old as Bryan?
- How old was Adam then?
|
Adam |
Bryan |
Difference |
Before |
3 u |
1 u |
2 u |
Change |
+ ? |
+ ? |
|
After |
55 |
31 |
24 |
(a)
For Adam to be 3 times as old as Bryan,
Bryan's age = 1 u
Adam's age = 3 u
Difference in their age
= 3 u - 1 u
= 2 u
Age difference between Adam and Bryan
= 55 - 31
= 24
2 u = 24
1 u = 24 ÷ 2 = 12
Number of years' ago that Adam was 3 times as old as Bryan
= 31 - 12
= 19
(b)
Adam's age 19 years ago
= 3 u
= 3 x 12
= 36
Answer(s): (a) 19; (b) 36