SOLUTION: The average age of a husband, wife and their son, 3 years ago was 27 years and that of the wife and son 5 years ago was 21 years. The husband’s present age is ??

Algebra ->  Test -> SOLUTION: The average age of a husband, wife and their son, 3 years ago was 27 years and that of the wife and son 5 years ago was 21 years. The husband’s present age is ??       Log On


   

Question 695101: The average age of a husband, wife and their son, 3 years ago was 27 years and that of the wife and son 5 years ago was 21 years. The husband’s present age is ??
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let h = husband's present age
let w = wife's
let s = son's
:
Write an equation for each statement:
:
The average age of a husband, wife and their son, 3 years ago was 27 years
%28%28h-3%29%2B%28w-3%29%2B%28s-3%29%29%2F3 = 27
Multiply both sides by 3
h + w + s - 9 = 3(27)
h + w + s = 81 + 9
h + w + s = 90
:
and that of the wife and son 5 years ago was 21 years.
%28%28w-5%29%2B%28s-5%29%29%2F2 = 21
mult by 2
w + s - 10 = 2(21)
w + s = 42 + 10
w + s = 52
:
In the 1st equation, replace w + s with 52
h + 52 = 90
h = 90 - 52
h = 38 yrs is the husband's age
:
:
Check this
%28%2838-3%29+%2B+%2852-6%29%29%2F3 = 27