Current ages
Jessica's age = x
Jessica's father = x + 24
In 3 years time, there ages will be:
Jessica's age = x+ 3
Jessica's father = x + 24 + 3 = x + 27
But Jessica's father will be 5 times her age
Hence;
x + 27 = 5(x+3)
Open the parenthesis
x + 27 = 5x + 15
collect like term
5x - x = 27 - 15
4x = 12
Divide both-side of the equation by 4
x = 3
In the current time;
Jessica is 3 years old
Jessica's father is x + 24 = 3 + 24 = 27 years old