Question

One fourth of Eric’s age last year plus triple his age next year is 58. How old is Eric?

Answer 1

17

Explanation:

Let e represent Eric's age now. The problem statement tells us ...

1/4(e -1) + 3(e +1) = 58

(3 1/4)e +2 3/4 = 58 . . . . simplify

13/4e = 55 1/4 . . . . . . . . . subtract 2 3/4

e = (4/13)(221/4) = 221/13 = 17 . . . . . multiply by 4/13

Eric is 17.