Question 174419
Let x=Melanie's age now, y=Melanie's age 8 years ago, and z=Melanie's age in 3 years



So this means that {{{y=x-8}}} and {{{z=x+3}}} (by definition)



Since "8 years ago,melanie waz half as old as she will be in 3 years", this tells us that {{{y=(1/2)z}}}



{{{y=(1/2)z}}} Start with the given equation.



{{{x-8=(1/2)(x+3)}}} Plug in {{{y=x-8}}} and {{{z=x+3}}}



{{{2(x-8)=x+3}}} Multiply both sides by 2.



{{{2x-16=x+3}}} Distribute.



{{{2x=x+3+16}}} Add {{{16}}} to both sides.



{{{2x-x=3+16}}} Subtract {{{x}}} from both sides.



{{{x=3+16}}} Combine like terms on the left side.



{{{x=19}}} Combine like terms on the right side.



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Answer:


So the answer is {{{x=19}}} which means that she is currently 19 years old