Question

The sum of the present ages of Mark and his mother is 60 years. In 6 years, she will be twice as old as he will be. Find their present ages,

Answer 1

This question can be solved using 2 variables x and y.

Putting the variables in the equation according to the conditions given would give the value of the variable.

In 6 years time the age of Mark will be 18+6=24 years and his mother will be 42+6=48 years which will be twice of 24.

Let the present age of Mark be x and his mother be y.

Then according to the given conditions.

x+y= 60 ---- equation 1

y+6= 2(x+6)

y+6= 2x+12

y-6= 2x------equation2

From equation 1 the value of y is found to be