Just write an equation for what it says:
:
lina is 1\3 times as old as anita.
L = A
or
3L = A
:
six years ago she was 1\9 as old as anita.
L - 6 = (A - 6)
Multiply both sides by 9; results:
9(L-6) = A - 6
9L - 54 = A - 6
9L = A - 6 + 54
9L = A + 48
:
remember 3L = A so we have:
9L = 3L + 48
9L - 3L = 48
6L = 48
L = 48/6
L = 8 yrs is Lina's age
and
3(8) = 24 yrs is Anita's age
;
:
Check solution in the statement:
"six years ago she was 1\9 as old as anita."
8 - 6 = (24-6)
2 = (18)
