Question

In 16years, Ben will be 3 times as old as he is right now.
How old is he right now?

Answer 1

Let's represent Ben's current age by x and his age in 16 years, x+16.If in 16 years, his age will be 3 times his age now, the equation is x+16=3x
x+16=3x
x-x+16=3x-x
16=2x
16/2=2x/2
8=x
Therefore Ben is 8 years old.

Answer 2

8 years old is he right now.

Explanation:

Let the present age of Ben be x.

As per the statement:

After 16 years.

Age of Ben will be = x + 16

In 16 years, Ben will be 3 times as old as he is right now.

⇒
`x+16 = 3x`

Subtract x from both sides we have;

`16 = 2x`

Divide both sides by 2 we have;

8 = x

or

x = 8 years

Therefore, 8 years old is he right now.