16Hit1600
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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