Question 246084
Let J = Jason's present age and H = Helston's present age.
1) J = 3*H "Jason is three times as old as Helston"
2) J+3 = 6(H-1) "Three years from now Jason will be six times as old as Helston (was) one year ago"
Substitute J from equation 1) into equation 2) and simplify.
(3*H)+3 = 6H-6 Subtract 3H from both sides.
3 = 3H-6 Add 6 to both sides.
9 = 3H Divide both sides by 3.
3 = H and...
J = 3*H = 3*3 = 9
Jason is 9 and Helston is 3