SOLUTION: Five years ago Jacob was one-sixth the age of his brother. Three years time his age doubled will match his brother's age. How old is Jacob now?
Algebra ->
Customizable Word Problem Solvers
-> Age
-> SOLUTION: Five years ago Jacob was one-sixth the age of his brother. Three years time his age doubled will match his brother's age. How old is Jacob now?
Log On
Question 631067: Five years ago Jacob was one-sixth the age of his brother. Three years time his age doubled will match his brother's age. How old is Jacob now?
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Let J = Jacob's age now
Let B = his brother's age now
5 years ago Jacob was 1/6 his brother's age:
J-5 = (B-5)/6
In 3 years, his age doubled will equal his brother's age:
2*(J+3) = B+3
We have two equations and two unknowns
Use one of the equations to solve for B in terms of J:
2J + 6 = B + 3
B = 2J + 3
J-5 = ((2J+3)-5)/6
J-5 = (2J-2)/6
6J-30 = 2J-2
This gives J = 7
So Jacob's age is 7
Check:
His brother's age = B = 2*7 + 3 = 17
5 years ago Jacob was 2, his brother was 12 (=6 times his age)
3 years from now Jacob will be 10
2*10 = 20 = 17 + 3
