What is the ratio of Adam and his son's ages 6 years later?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jameson
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
Adam's current age is three times that of his son, who is currently 18 years old, making Adam 54 years old. Six years ago, Adam was four times his son's age. After solving the equations derived from these age relationships, it is determined that in six years, Adam will be 60 and his son will be 24. Consequently, the ratio of their ages six years later will be 5:2. This mathematical problem illustrates the use of algebra to solve age-related questions.
Jameson
Insights Author
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
4,533
Reaction score
13
The present age of Adam is three times that of his son. Six years ago, the age of Adam was four times that of his son. Find the ratio of their ages 6 years later.
--------------------
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solutions:

1) Sudharaka
2) Reckoner

Solution (from Reckoner): [sp]Call Adam's age \(x\) and his son's age \(y\). The given information is summarized by these equations:
\[\left\{\begin{array}{rcl}x &=& 3y\\ x-6 &=& 4(y-6)\end{array}\right.\]\[\Rightarrow\left\{\begin{array}{rcl}x - 3y &=& 0\\ x-4y &=&-18\end{array}\right.\]
Solving this system, we find that \(x=54\) and \(y=18\), their current age. Therefore, in six years, Adam will be 60 and his son will be 24, so that the ratio of their ages will be \(\frac52\). [/sp]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
822
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
9K