Question

Helen is 8 years older than Jane. Twenty years ago Helen was three times as old as Jane. How old is each now?

Answer 1

Helen is 16 and Jane is 8

Answer 2

Let the age of the Jane be
`x`

So age of Helen =
`x` + 8

Twenty years ago,

Age of Jane =
`x` - 20

And age of Helen =
`x` + 8 - 20 =
`x` - 12

Helen was three times as old as Jane

`x` - 12 = 3 (
`x` - 20)

`x` - 12 = 3
`x` - 60

Add - 3
`x` on both sides,

`x` - 3
`x` - 12 = 3
`x` - 3
`x` - 60

-2
`x` - 12 = - 60

Add 12 on both sides

-2
`x` - 12 + 12 = - 60 + 12

-2
`x` = - 48

Divide both side by -2

`(-2x)/(-2)=(-48)/(-2)`

`x` = 24

Age of Jane = 24 yrs

Age of Helen = 32 yrs