Question

Ben is 20 years older than Daniel. Ben and Daniel first met two years ago. Three years ago, Ben was 3 times as old as Daniel.

How old is Ben now?

Answer 1

Ben is now 28.5 years old.

Let x be Daniel
Let y be Ben

y=x+20
Ben is 20 years older than Daniel.

y-3=3x
Ben three years ago is Daniels age times three now.

x+20-3=3x
Substitute y with (x+20)

Minus x from both sides

17=2x

Divide both sides by 2

x=8.5

Go back to the first equation and substitute x with 8.5

Y=8.5+20

Ben is 28 and a half.