Question 245426
Let Laura = x
Let Ed = x/5
.
In 6 years, ed's age will be 3 years more than 1/4 of laura's age.
Thus our equation becomes:
{{{(x/5)+6=((x+6)/4)+3}}}
Combine like terms:
{{{(x/5)-((x+6)/4)=3-6}}}
Find common denominator
{{{((x/5)(4/4))-(((x+6)/4)(5/5))=-3}}}
{{{(4x/20)-((5(x+6))/20)=-3}}}
Now simplify and solve for x.
I'll let you take it from here.
You should come up with x=30 (Laura's age).
Remember to check your answer by pluging this value in the original equation.  
Both sides of the equation must equal to each other to be a valid answer.
Done!  :)