Can anyone solve this age problem?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Curious Kev
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    Age Algebra Puzzle
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical age problem presented in a puzzle format. Participants explore the implications of the wording and the relationships between the ages of two individuals, Holly and Ivy, at different points in time. The focus is on setting up equations based on the problem's conditions and determining how to interpret the ambiguous phrasing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion over the lack of specific ages for Holly and Ivy, questioning the sufficiency of information provided in the problem.
  • Others argue that the problem contains contradictory information rather than insufficient information.
  • Several participants propose setting up equations using variables for the current ages of Holly (H) and Ivy (I), as well as defining a variable for the number of years ago (Y) that the events occurred.
  • Some participants suggest that the wording of the problem is confusing and may lead to misinterpretation, particularly regarding the reference year for the ages discussed.
  • One participant notes that there are three unknowns (x, H, and I) but only two equations, leading to a unique solution for x but not for H and I.
  • Another participant raises a question about the reference year, suggesting that it may be arbitrary and that the problem could be seen as a trick question.
  • Some participants share their interpretations of the equations derived from the problem's wording, indicating different approaches to solving the puzzle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the clarity of the problem's wording and whether the information provided is sufficient or contradictory. Multiple competing views remain regarding the interpretation of the equations and the reference year.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the problem's phrasing, with participants noting ambiguities and the potential for misreading the conditions. There is also a recognition of the need for careful definition of variables to approach the problem effectively.

  • #31
pinball1970 said:
I missed a Teams because of this.
1736451996637.png
 
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  • #32
pinball1970 said:
Not to me and @Curious Kev was on the site less that three hours regarding this question. That's bad form on pf Kev.
Yeah, "curious" kev wasn't very curious after all.
 
  • #33
pinball1970 said:
What does 27 mean?
27 in the post #24 is the result of my misinterpretation of the problem statement and you can skip it.

pinball1970 said:
I think I don't like the word "ago."
Should it be "before?"
“ago” is correct in this case. See the original post.
 
  • #34
phinds said:
Yeah, "curious" kev wasn't very curious after all.
It is better to assume ignorance before malevolence. Please remember, I am a real human being. You must imagine that you are talking to me in a room and that you can see my facial reaction to your comment. From what I've read, Gavran and PeroK have been very helpful. Thanks.
 
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  • #35
I think there is a bit more to explore to this problem. For example, what is the current relationship between the ages of Holly and Ivy? What can we say about who is older or younger? Also, what constraints can we place on the minimum ages if we demand both were alive at the different times mentioned in the problem?
 
  • #36
We don’t have enough information to calculate the ages of Holly and Ivy but we can determine the relationship between them. Using the original conditions which we calculated at 6 years ago, we can say that ##H=2I-24## so Holly’s age is always twice that of Ivy minus 24 years. ##H## and ##I## refer to their current ages. Note that if Ivy is older than 24, Holly is older and if Ivy is younger than 24 Holly is younger. If Ivy is exactly 24 then so is Holly (they could be twins).
 
  • #37
Also, the minimum age for Ivy such that Holly is alive 15 years ago is 19.5 years old.
 

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