AlgebraVery hardAge from a present ratio and a future ratio
Algebra practice question
Mira is three times as old as her son. In 12 years she will be twice as old as he is then. How old is her son now?
Answer: 12
3s + 12 = 2(s + 12) gives 3s + 12 = 2s + 24, so s = 12.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 6
- 6 comes from 3s + 12 = 2s + 12 + 6, halving the 12 on one side.
- If you answered 24
- 24 is the son's age in 12 years.
- If you answered 36
- 36 is Mira's age now.
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