Question 873228
Let:

x       - be Lauren's age now
x-17    - be Lauren's age 17 years ago
x+17    - be Lauren's age 17 years from now

Therefore:

{{{(x+17) - (17(x-17))=x}}}

Hope you get my translation to mathematical statement :)

{{{(x+17)-(17x-289)=x}}}
{{{x+17-17x+289-x=0}}}
{{{-17x+306=0}}}
{{{17x=306}}}
{{{x=18}}}


Lauren's 18 now!
Hope that helps!
Steffy