Question

Jasper is twice as old as Simon now. Simon was 1/5 as old as Jasper in 12 years ago. How old is Jasper in 12 years's time?

Answer 1

44 years

Explanation:

Let Jasper's and Simon's ages be represented by J and S respectively.

From the first statement, J = 2S

From the second statement, (S - 12) = 1/5(J - 12)

J = 2S

S = J/2

S - 12 = 1/5(J - 12)

J/2 - 12 = J/5 - 12/5

Multiply each term by 10

5J - 120 = 2J - 24

5J - 2J = -24 + 120

3J = 96

J = 96/3 = 32

Jasper's present age is 32 years

In 12 years' time, Jasper's age will be 32 + 12 = 44 years

Answer 2

44 years old

Explanation:

Let the age of Jasper be j years old now.

Now:

Jasper➣ j

Simon ➣ j/2

12 years ago:

Jasper➣ j -12

Simon➣ j/2 -12

Given that Simon's age=⅕(Jasper's age),

j/2 -12= ⅕(j -12)

Multiply by 5 on both sides,

2.5j -60= j -12

2.5j -j= 60 -12

Simplify:

1.5j= 48

÷1.5 on both sides:

j= 48 ÷1.5

Simplify:

j= 32

12 years time:

Jasper➣ j +12

Thus, Jasper's age

= 32 +12

= 44