When Elyse was 42 years old, her son was 4 times her daughter's age. Elyse would be twice her son's age when her daughter was 21 years old. How old would Elyse be when her daughter was 2 years old?
|
Elyse |
Son |
Daughter |
Before |
42 |
4 u |
1 u |
Change |
+ ? |
+ ? |
+ ? |
After |
2 p |
1 p |
21 |
The difference in the ages between Elyse and her son remains unchanged.
Difference in Elyse's and her son's ages at first
42 - 4 u = 2 p - 1 p
42 - 4 u =
1 p --- (1)
The difference in the ages between her son and her daughter remains unchanged.
Difference in her son's and her daughter's ages at first
4 u - 1 u = 1 p - 21
3 u + 21 =
1 p --- (2)
Make p the same.
(1) = (2)
42 - 4 u = 3 u + 21
3 u + 4 u = 42 - 21
7 u = 21
1 u = 21 ÷ 7 = 3
Age difference between Elyse and her daughter
= 42 - 1 u
= 42 - 3
= 39
Elyse's age when her daughter was 2 years old
= 39 + 2
= 41
Answer(s): 41