Question

Cara is eight years older than Samantha. In five years, Cara will be twice as old as Samantha. How old are they now?

A. Cara = 10, Samantha = 2
B. Cara = 12, Samantha = 4
C. Cara = 13, Samantha = 5
D. Cara = 15, Samantha = 7

Answer 1

Samantha is currently 3 years old, and Cara is currently 11 years old.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this problem, we can set up equations to represent the ages of Cara and Samantha. Let's let x represent Samantha's current age. Since Cara is eight years older, Cara's current age is x + 8.

1. In five years, Samantha will be x + 5 years old, and Cara will be (x + 8) + 5 years old.
2. According to the problem, in five years, Cara will be twice as old as Samantha. This can be represented by the equation (x + 8) + 5 = 2(x + 5).
3. Simplifying this equation, we get x + 13 = 2x + 10.
4. Subtracting x from both sides of the equation, we get 13 = x + 10.
5. Subtracting 10 from both sides, we have 3 = x.

Therefore, Samantha is currently 3 years old, and Cara is currently 3 + 8 = 11 years old.