Question 477498
Let {{{y}}} = the number of years ago that
Marco's age was 1 and 1/2 times Michele's
{{{y}}} years ago, Marco was {{{ 30 - y }}}
{{{y}}} years ago Michele was {{{ 24 - y }}}
given:
{{{ 30 - y = 1.5*(24 - y) }}}
{{{ 30 - y = 36 - 1.5y }}}
Add {{{ 1.5y }}} to both sides
{{{ 30 + .5y = 36 }}}
{{{ .5y = 6 }}}
{{{ y = 12 }}}
The answer is 12 years ago
check:
{{{ 30 - 12 - 18 }}}
{{{ 24 - 12 = 12 }}}
18 is 1 and 1/2 times 12
OK