document.write( "Question 27432: I need a little help with this word problem. I have tried to fiugre out how to write it out into algebraic form...but have been unsuccessful. Any help would be appreciated.
\n" ); document.write( "The inscription on Greek Diophantus' tomb:\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "One-sixth of his life God granted him youth. After a twelfth more, he grew a beard. After an additional seventh, he married, and 5 years later, he had a son. Alas, the unfortunate son's life span was only one-half that of his father, who consoled his grief in the remaining 4 years of his lfe.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Use your knowledge to find how many years Diophantus lived. (HINT: let x be the number of years Diophantus lived.)\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Again thanks for the help.
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Algebra.Com's Answer #14894 by Paul(988)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x be his age:
\n" ); document.write( "After = + and 5 years after means that add 5 to current status:
\n" ); document.write( "1x/6+1x/12+1x/7+5+4=1x/2
\n" ); document.write( "Common denominator = 84
\n" ); document.write( "14x+7x+12x+420+336=42x
\n" ); document.write( "Simplfy
\n" ); document.write( "33x+756=42x
\n" ); document.write( "9x=756
\n" ); document.write( "x=84\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Hence, he lived for 84 years.
\n" ); document.write( "Paul.
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