Question

Algebra question: Laila is 10 years older than her younger sister, Kylie. Seventeen years ago Laila was triple Kylie's age. How old are Laila and Kylie currently?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Let's assume Kylie's current age to be x.

According to the problem, Laila is 10 years older than Kylie, so her current age would be (x + 10).

Seventeen years ago, Laila's age would have been (x + 10 - 17) = (x - 7), and Kylie's age would have been (x - 17).

The problem also states that Laila's age 17 years ago was triple Kylie's age 17 years ago, so we can set up the equation:

(x - 7) = 3(x - 17)

Solving for x, we get:

x - 7 = 3x - 51

2x = 44

x = 22

Therefore, Kylie's current age is x = 22, and Laila's current age is (x + 10) = 32.

So, Laila is currently 32 years old and Kylie is currently 22 years old.

Answer 2

Laila is currently 32 years old.

Kylie is currently 22 years old.

Explanation:

To find the current ages of Laila and Kylie, create and solve a system of linear equations using the given information.

Define the variables:

• Let L be the current age of Laila.
• Let K be the current age of Kylie.

Given Laila is 10 years older than Kylie:

• L = K + 10

Given 17 years ago, Laila was triple Kylie's age:

• L - 17 = 3(K - 17)

Substitute the first equation into the second equation and solve for K:

⇒ (K + 10) - 17 = 3(K - 17)

⇒ K - 7 = 3K - 51

⇒ K - 7 - K = 3K - 51 - K

⇒ -7 = 2K - 51

⇒ -7 + 51 = 2K - 51 + 51

⇒ 44 = 2K

⇒ 44 ÷ 2 = 2K ÷ 2

⇒ K = 22

Substitute the found value of K into the first equation and solve for L:

⇒ L = K + 10

⇒ L = 22 + 10

⇒ L = 32

Therefore, Laila is currently 32 years old and Kylie is currently 22 years old.