SOLUTION: Hello Sir/Madam Im in confusion on age problems. When should take plus(addition) and when should take minus(subtraction) if the word years ago occurs in a problem

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Question 1021567: Hello Sir/Madam Im in confusion on age problems. When should take plus(addition) and when should take minus(subtraction) if the word years ago occurs in a problem
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, ikleyn:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39620) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
"Years ago" will either mean "Plus the opposite" or "minus", in relation to current time.

Answer by ikleyn(52803) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
Hello Sir/Madam Im in confusion on age problems.
When should take plus(addition) and when should take minus(subtraction) if the word years ago occurs in a problem
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If your unknown is the present age, and you want to express on how it was "n years ago", then use "-" (minus).


If you want to express on how it will be  "in n years in the future", then use "+" (plus).


   . . . With years people become older . . .

It would be even better if you send your concrete problem.

Also see numerous examples of solved age problems in the lesson Age problems and their solutions in this site.