Question

Ralph is 3 times as old as Sara. In 6 years, Ralph will be only twice as old as Sara will be then. Find Ralph's age now. If x represents Sarah's age now, which of the following expressions represents Ralph's age in six years ?

2 x

6 x

2 x + 6

3 x + 6

Answer 1

Set up:

Sara's age now = x

Ralph's age now = 3x

Ralph's age in 6 years = 3x + 6

Answer 2

3x + 6

Explanation:

- If x represents Sarah's age now and Ralph is 3 times old as Sara, that means Ralph's age now is equal to 3x.

- In 6 years:

Sara's age will be x+6

Ralph's age will be 3x+6

If Ralph's age in six years will be twice as old as Sara's age, then we will have:

3x + 6 = 2( x + 6) and when you solve the equation, you can even find the exact values.

3x + 6 = 2x + 12

x = 6

Ralph's age in 6 years will be 3x+6 and the exact value of it will be 3(6)+6 = 24