Adam is 56 years old.
Bryan is 36 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 |
56 |
36 |
20 |
(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
= 56 - 36
= 20
2 u = 20
1 u = 20 ÷ 2 = 10
Number of years' ago that Adam was 3 times as old as Bryan
= 36 - 10
= 26
(b)
Adam's age 26 years ago
= 3 u
= 3 x 10
= 30
Answer(s): (a) 26; (b) 30