SOLUTION: A mother is three times as old as her son. Six years ago she was five times as old as her son. What is their present age?

Question 589336: A mother is three times as old as her son. Six years ago she was five times as old as her son. What is their present age?
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, ana catherine:
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A mother is three times as old as her son. Six years ago she was five times as old as her son. What is their present age?
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Equations:
m = 3s
(m-5) = 5(s-5)
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Substitute for "m" and solve for "s":
3s-5 = 5s-25
2s = 20
s = 10 yrs. (Her son's age)
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Solve for "m":
m = 3s
m = 30 yrs (Mom's age)
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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Answer by ana catherine(1) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let m is the age of the mother
let d is the age of the daughter
m= 3d
m-6= 5(d-6)
m-6= 5d-30
substitute:
3d-6= 5d-30
3d-5d= 30 - 6
2d=24
d=12
m= 3(12)
m=36

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