SOLUTION: Bill is three times the age Chris was when Bill was the age Chris is now. Chris is 16 years old. How old is Bill? I tried to triple the age of Chris which is 48 but I'm not sure i

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Question 1020912: Bill is three times the age Chris was when Bill was the age Chris is now. Chris is 16 years old. How old is Bill?
I tried to triple the age of Chris which is 48 but I'm not sure if it is right.


Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +b+ = Bill's age now
+16+ = Chris's age now
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" when Bill was the age Chris is now. "
This is when Bill was +16+
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The difference in their ages never changes
It is +b+-+16+
" the age Chris was "
Chris was +16+-+%28+b+-+16+%29+=+32+-+b+
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" Bill is three times "
So, Bill's present age is:
+b+=+3%2A%28+32+-+b+%29+
+b+=+96+-+3b+
+4b+=96+
Bill is 24
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check the answer:
The difference in their ages is +24+-+16+=+8+
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" when Bill was the age Chris is now. "
When Bill was +16+
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" the age Chris was "
Chris was +16+-+8+=+8+
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" Bill is three times "
Bill is +3%2A8+=+24+
OK
Hope I got it!