Question

Three years ago Alicia was twice as old as her brother Carlos. In two more years Alicia will be just 50% older than Carlos. How old is Alicia today?

Answer 1

13 years

Explanation:

Let the present age of Alicia be x

Let the present age of her brother be y

Three years ago;

Alicia age = x - 3

Her brother's age = y - 3

If three years ago Alicia was twice as old as her brother Carlos, then;

X - 3 = 2(Y-3)

x-3 = 2y - 6

x = 2y - 3 ...1

In two years time;

Alicias age = x+2

Her brother's age = y +2

If in two more years Alicia will be just 50% older than Carlos, then;

x+2 = y + 2 + (0.5(y+2))

x+2 = y+2 + 0.5y + 1

x+2 = 1.5y+3

x = 1.5y + 1 ...2

Equating 1 and 2;

2y - 3 = 1.5y + 1

2y - 1.5y = 1+3

0.5y = 4

y = 4/0.5

y = 8

Since x = 2y-3

x = 2(8) - 3

x = 16-3

x = 13

Hence Alicia will be 13 years old today