Question 152560
The word problem translates into this equation


{{{24-x=4(12-x)}}} where x is the number of years ago that scott was 4 times as old as shannon 




{{{24-x=4(12-x)}}} Start with the given equation.



{{{24-x=48-4x}}} Distribute.



{{{-x=48-4x-24}}} Subtract {{{24}}} from both sides.



{{{-x+4x=48-24}}} Add {{{4x}}} to both sides.



{{{3x=48-24}}} Combine like terms on the left side.



{{{3x=24}}} Combine like terms on the right side.



{{{x=(24)/(3)}}} Divide both sides by {{{3}}} to isolate {{{x}}}.



{{{x=8}}} Reduce.



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Answer:


So the answer is {{{x=8}}} which means that 8 years ago scott was 4 times as old as shannon