Question 1170627
Right now, John is 5 times older than Nick. Let n represent Nick's age and J for John's age.
The equation would be 5n=j

In 15 years, John will be 3 times older than Nick. This would then be: j+15=3(n+15)

Using distributive property: j+15=3n+45
Subtract both sides by 15 to get j=3n+30

j also equals 5n, therefore 3n+30=5n

Subtract both sides by 3n to get 2n=30

Divide both sides by 2 to get n=15
Right now, Nick is 15 years old, multiply by 5 to get John's age, which is 75.

CHECK:
If Nick is 15 right now, John is 75.
In 15 years, Nick will be 30 and John will be 90.
30*3 is 90, so our answer is correct.

John is 75 years old.