Question

Oscar says to Vanesa: "I am five times the age you were when I was the age you are; and when you are the age I am, our ages will add up to 72 years." How old is Vanessa? Please

Answer 1

18

Explanation:

Let's say x is Oscar's age, and y is Vanessa's age.

When Oscar was Vanessa's age, Vanessa was y−(x−y) = 2y−x years old. Oscar is five times older than this:

x = 5 (2y − x)

x = 10y − 5x

6x = 10y

3x = 5y

When Vanessa is Oscar's age, Oscar will be x+(x−y) = 2x−y years old. The sum of their ages will by 72.

2x−y + x = 72

3x − y = 72

Substituting:

5y − y = 72

4y = 72

y = 18

Vanessa is 18. Which means Oscar is 30.

Let's check our answer. When Oscar was 18, Vanessa was 6. Oscar is 5 times older than that (30). When Vanessa is 30, Oscar will be 42, and their ages will add up to 72.

Answer 2

Vanessa is 60 and the other person is 12

Explanation:

X + 5x = 72

6x = 72

x = 12

12 x 5 = 60

vanessa is 60

the other person is 12

60 + 12 = 72