SOLUTION: Mr.Atkins is 33 years old and Mr. Speyer is 27 years old. How many years ago was Mr. Atkins 1 1/2 times as old as Mr. Speyer was then?

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Question 163670: Mr.Atkins is 33 years old and Mr. Speyer is 27 years old. How many years ago was Mr. Atkins 1 1/2 times as old as Mr. Speyer was then?
Answer by vleith(2983) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You are told the current ages of both men. You are asked how many years ago the one man was 1.5 times as old as the other.
Let x be the number of years we are going back in time. Then
33+-+x+=+1.5+%2827+-+x%29
33+-+x+=+40.5+-+1.5x+
0.5x+=+7.5
x+=+15
Fifteen years ago, Mr A was (33-15)=18 and Mr S was (27-15)=12. Is 18= 1.5* 12??