SOLUTION: five years ago, i was one and a half times as old as my sister. today, my sister is 17 years old, how old am i?

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Age -> SOLUTION: five years ago, i was one and a half times as old as my sister. today, my sister is 17 years old, how old am i?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 1201822: five years ago, i was one and a half times as old as my sister. today, my sister is 17 years old, how old am i?
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, greenestamps:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
y, narrator today
x, sister today

y-5=%283%2F2%29%28x-5%29
given x is 17;
y-5=%283%2F2%29%2817-5%29
y=5%2B%283%2F2%29%2812%29
y=5%2B18
highlight%28y=23%29

Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


While the problem can be solved using formal algebra, and even though that is probably the intent of the problem, you can get good problem-solving practice by solving the problem informally, using logical reasoning and simple arithmetic.

sister now: 17

sister 5 years ago: 17-5 = 12

you 5 years ago: 12*(3/2) = 18

you today: 18+5 = 23

ANSWER: 23