Question 1196562
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The two responses you have received to now both show the same method of solution; that method sets up the problem starting with the statement that Elias is 48 years older than Shui.<br>
I would start the problem differently, resulting in easier algebra....<br>
Since Elias was 3 times as old as Shui 9 years ago, let x and 3x be their ages 9 years ago.
The difference between their ages 9 years ago is then 3x-x=2x.
But the difference in their ages is 48 years; so 2x=48 and x=24.
So their ages 9 years ago were x=24 and 3x=72.
So now the age of Elias is 72+9=81.<br>
ANSWER: 81<br>
Without all the words....<br>
x = age of Shiu 9 years ago
3x = age of Elias 9 years ago
3x-x = 2x = 48; x = 48/2 = 24; 3x = 3(24) = 72
Elias's age now: 72+9 = 81<br>