Question 292899
Five years ago, Madge was five times as old as my youngest sister Veronica,
 Today I’m only three times as old as she is. How old is Madge?
:
I think Madge and I are the same person (otherwise it doesn't make sense)
:
Let m = M's present age
Let v = V's present age
:
"Five years ago, Madge was five times as old as my youngest sister Veronica,
m - 5 = 5(v-5)
m - 5 = 5v - 25
m = 5v - 25 + 5
m = 5v - 20
:
Today I’m only three times as old as she is.
m = 3v
:
Replace m with 3v in the 1st equation
3v = 5v - 20
20 = 5v - 3v
20 = 2v
v = 10 is V's age
:
 How old is Madge?
3(10) = 30 yrs is M's age