Question 794514
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Mrs. Lemecha's dad is 5 times as old as he was 40 years ago? how old is Mrs. Lemecha's dad?
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        This is a nice problem, but the solution given in the post by @lynnlo is absolutely incorrect.

        I came to bring a correct solution.



<pre>
Let x be the age of the dad.

40 years ago his age was (x-40) years.

Write equation as you read the problem

    x = 5(x-40)


Simplify it step by step and find x

    x = 5x - 5*40,

    x = 5x - 200


Collect the terms with 'x' on the right side;  
move the constant term -200 to the left side changing its sign

    200 = 5x - x

    200 = 4x

     x = 200/4 = 50.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  The dad is 50 years old.
</pre>

Solved.


This problem teaches to read problem attentively and to make setup accurately and adequately.


Therefore, this problem has great educational/instructional value and teaches to treat Math problems with respect.