SOLUTION: Paul is 12. His father is 33. How many years ago was the father 4 times as old as the son?

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Question 308450: Paul is 12. His father is 33. How many years ago was the father 4 times as old as the son?
Found 2 solutions by JBarnum, rapaljer:
Answer by JBarnum(2146) About Me  (Show Source):
Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = number of years ago.

12-x = Paul's age x years ago
33-x = His father's age x years ago.

33-x=4(12-x)
33-x=48-4x

Add 4x to each side:
33-x+4x=48-4x+4x
33+3x=48

Subtract 33 from each side
3x=48-33
3x-15
x=5

Paul was 12-5=7
Father was 33-5=28

It checks!!

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired