Will's current age is 3 times as old as Cole's age years ago. Today, Cole's age is Will's age the same number of years ago. How old is Cole's age now if the total of their current age is 50?
| |
Will |
Cole |
Difference |
Total |
| Before |
1 p |
1 u |
1 p - 1 u |
|
| Change |
+ ? |
+ ? |
|
|
| After |
3 u |
1 p |
3 u - 1 p |
50 |
Total age of Will and Cole today = 3 u + 1 p
3 u + 1 p = 50 --- (1)
The difference in Will's age and Cole's age remains the same.
3 u - 1 p = 1 p - 1 u
3 u + 1 u = 1 p + 1 p
4 u = 2 p
2 u = 1 p
Substitute 1 p = 2 u into (1).
3 u + 1 p = 50
3 u + 2 u = 50
5 u = 50
1 u = 50 ÷ 5 = 10
Will's age now
= 50 - 3 u
= 50 - 3 x 10
= 50 - 30
= 20
Answer(s): 20
