Question

James is 6 times older than his friend Zach, if Zach added 8 to his age and multiplied this sum by 3. Write an equation that can be used to solve for Zach's age in the box below, use Z as the variable.

Answer 1

The equation is 3x + 24 = 6x

Explanation:

Let

Zach's age = x

If Zach added 8 to his age and multiplied this sum by 3.

Zach = 3(x + 8)

= 3x + 24

James = 6x

Zach's age = James's age

3x + 24 = 6x

Collect like terms

24 = 6x - 3x

24 = 3x

Divide both sides by 3

x = 24/3

= 8

x = 8

Check

Zach = 3(x + 8)

= 3(8+8)

= 3(16)

= 48 years

James = 6x

= 6(8)

= 48 years

The equation is 3x + 24 = 6x