Fred's current age is 5 times as old as Neave's age years ago. Today, Neave's age is Fred's age the same number of years ago. How old is Neave's age now if the total of their current age is 72?
| |
Fred |
Neave |
Difference |
Total |
| Before |
1 p |
1 u |
1 p - 1 u |
|
| Change |
+ ? |
+ ? |
|
|
| After |
5 u |
1 p |
5 u - 1 p |
72 |
Total age of Fred and Neave today = 5 u + 1 p
5 u + 1 p = 72 --- (1)
The difference in Fred's age and Neave's age remains the same.
5 u - 1 p = 1 p - 1 u
5 u + 1 u = 1 p + 1 p
6 u = 2 p
3 u = 1 p
Substitute 1 p = 3 u into (1).
5 u + 1 p = 72
5 u + 3 u = 72
8 u = 72
1 u = 72 ÷ 8 = 9
Fred's age now
= 72 - 5 u
= 72 - 5 x 9
= 72 - 45
= 27
Answer(s): 27
