Question

Hazel is three times as old as Joel, and in 4 years she will be twice as old as Joel. How old was Hazel when Joel was born?

Answer 1

Hazel was 8 when Joel was born

Explanation:

if she's 12 right now and he's 4 then that's 3x as old. in four years she will be 16 and he will be 8. in four years she will be 2x his age. so she was 8 when he was born since that's the difference between 12 &4, 16&8

Answer 2

Hazel was 3 years old when Joel was born.

Explanation:

Let x be the present age ( in years ) of Joel,

Given,

Hazel is three times as old as Joel,

Age of Hazel = 3x,

After 4 years, age of Joel = x + 4,

And, age of Hazel = 3x + 4

According to the question,

2(x+4) = 3x + 4

by distributive property,

2x + 8 = 3x + 4

By subtraction property of equality,

2x = 3x + 4 - 8

2x = 3x - 4

Again by subtraction property of equality,

-x = -4

Divide both sides by - 1

x = 4

Thus, the present age of Joel = 4,

Also, the present age of Hazel = 12,

Difference in ages = 12 - 4 = 3,

Therefore, Hazel was 3 years old when Joel was born.