Harry's current age is 5 times as old as Michael's age years ago. Today, Michael's age is Harry's age the same number of years ago. How old is Michael's age now if the total of their current age is 24?
| |
Harry |
Michael |
Difference |
Total |
| Before |
1 p |
1 u |
1 p - 1 u |
|
| Change |
+ ? |
+ ? |
|
|
| After |
5 u |
1 p |
5 u - 1 p |
24 |
Total age of Harry and Michael today = 5 u + 1 p
5 u + 1 p = 24 --- (1)
The difference in Harry's age and Michael'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 = 24
5 u + 3 u = 24
8 u = 24
1 u = 24 ÷ 8 = 3
Harry's age now
= 24 - 5 u
= 24 - 5 x 3
= 24 - 15
= 9
Answer(s): 9
