Question 116227
Write an expression or equation for each statement:
P = Paul's age now; A = Anna's age now
:
"Paul is five times as old as his daughter Anna. "
P = 5A
:
In 12 yrs, their ages will be:
P+12
and
A+12
:
"In 12 years, Paul will be three times as old as Anna is in twelve years."
P + 12 = 3(A + 12)
P + 12 = 3A + 36
P = 3A + 36 - 12
P = 3A + 24
:
 How old is each one now?
From the 1st statement; P = 5A; replace P with 5A and solve for A
5A = 3A + 24
5A - 3A = 24
2A = 24
A = 24/2
A = 12 yrs now, obviously Paul: 5 * 12 = 60 yrs now
:
:
Check our solution using the statement:
"In 12 years, Paul will be three times as old as Anna is in twelve years. "
(60 + 12) = 3(12 + 12)
 72 = 3(24)
:
Hopefully, this method will simplify things for you.