Question

The ratio of Mitchell's age to Connor's age is 8:5. In thirty years, the ratio of their ages will be 6:5. How much older is Mitchell than Connor now?

Answer 1

9 years older

Explanation:

The ratio of their ages is 8 : 5 = 8x : 5x ( x is a multiplier )

In 30 years their ages will be 8x + 30 and 5x + 30 and the ratio 6 : 5 , so

`(8x+30)/(5x+30)` =
`(6)/(5)` ( cross- multiply )

5(8x + 30) = 6(5x + 30) ← distribute parenthesis on both sides

40x + 150 = 30x + 180 ( subtract 30x from both sides )

10x + 150 = 180 ( subtract 150 from both sides )

10x = 30 ( divide both sides by 10 )

x = 3

Then

Michell is 8x = 8 × 3 = 24 years old

Connor is 5x = 5 × 3 = 15 years old

Mitchell is 24 - 15 = 9 years older than Connor