Word Problems in 1 Variable

Part 4 (Age)

Online Tutorial Series

July 2014
 Sample Problem
1. If my age four years from now is twice my age
four years ago, what is my current age?
 Solution
-Make a table of values for the Representation:
R: Let x be the Present Age
PAST AGE PRESENT AGE FUTURE AGE
X-4 X X+4

E: x+4 = 2(x-4)
S: x+4 = 2x-8
12 = x
I: I am currently 12 years old
 Sample Problem
2. Ana give birth to her daughter at the age of
28. Now she is 5 times her daughters age.
Find the daughters age.
 Solution
R: Let x be the daughters current age
AGE AT BIRTH CURRENT AGE
ANA 28 28+x
DAUGHTER 0 x

E: 28+x = 5(x)
S: 28 + x x = 5x x
28 = 4x
x=7
I: The daughter is 7 years old.
 Sample Problem
3. Jack is 5 years older than Tim. If Jacks age 5
years from now is twice Tims age 5 years ago,
find their current ages.
 Solution
R: Let x be Tims age, and x+5 be Jacks age
PAST AGE CURRENT FUTURE
AGE AGE
Jack --------- X+5 (X+5)+5
Tim X-5 X ----------

E: (x+5)+5 = 2(x-5)
S: x+10 = 2x-10
20 = x
I: Tim is 20 years old and Jack is 25 years old.