SOLUTION: Zelma is eighteen years older than her son. She was three times as old as he was one year ago. How old are they now?

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Question 37657This question is from textbook
: Zelma is eighteen years older than her son. She was three times as old as he was one year ago. How old are they now? This question is from textbook

Answer by junior403(76) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Zelma (z) is eighteen years older than her son (s + 18)
She was three times as old as he was one year ago.
= 3(s)
So lets put this problem together in an equation.
In terms of Zelma.
She is 18 years older than her son AND 3 times his age last year.
So lets solve it for last year because this year she is still 18 years older than him.
So...
s + 18 = 3(s)
subtract the s term from both sides...
18 = 2(s)
then divide both sides by 2...
9 = s
so last year the son was 9.
and Zelma was (9 + 18) = 27
18 years and 3 times older than her son.
How old are they now?
This year the son is 10.
and zelma is 28.
18 years older than her son.
Good Luck!
Thanks for the question!