SOLUTION: Michael is three times as old as Margaret, and in 6 years he will be twice as old as her. How old was Michael when Margaret was born?

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Question 1128552: Michael is three times as old as Margaret, and in 6 years he will be twice as old as her. How old was Michael when Margaret was born?
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, addingup:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
3x, Michael now
x, Margaret now

3x%2B6=2%28x%2B6%29
3x%2B6=2x%2B12
x=12-6
x=6----------Margaret now.


3x-x=2x
2x=2%2A6
2x=12

Michael was 12 years old when Margaret was born.

Answer by addingup(3677) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let Michael be x
1/3 Michael = Margaret
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 6 years he will be 2 times Margaret
x+6 = 2(1/3x+6) now let's work this equation. Distribute the 2:
x+6 = 2/3x+12
1/3x = 6
x = 6 * 3/1 = 18
:
Michael is 18 and Margaret is 6
In 6 years Michael will be 18+6 = 24
In 6 years Margaret will be 6+6 = 12
And the problem says in 6 years Michael will be twice as old as Margaret, and 24 is twice 12.
:
Happy learning