SOLUTION: Ann is half the age of Henry. In seven years she will be three-fifths his age. Seven years ago she was one -third his age. How old are they?

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Age -> SOLUTION: Ann is half the age of Henry. In seven years she will be three-fifths his age. Seven years ago she was one -third his age. How old are they?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 707057: Ann is half the age of Henry. In seven years she will be three-fifths his age. Seven years ago she was one -third his age. How old are they?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39620) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The description literally gives this, and expecting implied past and future ages:
Now: a=h%2F2
Seven years in future: a%2B7=%283%2F5%29%28h%2B7%29
Seven years in the past: a-7=%281%2F3%29%28h-7%29

Three equations and two unknown variables. Chance for conflict.?

The futures question gives us 5a-3h=-14,[multiplied members by 5 first].
The past question gives us 3a-h=14, [multiplied members by 3 first].
Multiply this "past" equation by -3 and add to the future equation, giving
4a=56
a=14. So Ann is 14 now.

Without looking too deeply more, Henry would be twice that now, being 28.