Question

HELP PLEASE: If three times Linda's age is decreased by 36, the result is twice Linda's age. How old is Linda???

Answer 1

just set up a simple algebra equation. you have one unknown: linda's age. we'll call this x.

\[3*x - 36 = 2*x\]

do you know how to solve from here?

Answer 2

That's exactly what I got and Im having a hard time trying to solve this!

Answer 3

so the trick here is to get all your variables on one side. get the x's on the left and everything else on the right. then combine like terms:

3*x - 2*x = 36
1*x = 36

your answer!

Answer 4

3x-6=2x
3x-2x=6
x(3-2)=6
x=6/(3-2)=6

Answer 5

you need to isolate the variable which is x

Answer 6

WHoa, sorry abouit that-went too fast. Should be x(3-2)=36 which of course is x=36

Answer 7

@jcntrl: I got 6 as well, and its not working out after I check it, unless Im checking it wrong!

Answer 8

It's a typo on my part. I typed 6 when I'd meant to type 36.

Answer 9

So the steps should be:

3x-36=2x
3x-2x=36
x(3-2)=36
x=6/(3-2)
x=6

Answer 10

Oh, ok! Thanks guys! I think I got it! I have to show work too! But i understand now! Damn, Linda's old! LOL!

Answer 11

Thanks everyone!

Answer 12

Don't just copy what I've shown here. Understand it. WOork through it backwards. Otherwise on exam day, you'll be hosed. Cheers.

Answer 13

36 isn't very old :)

Answer 14

I know! LOL! Just a corney joke!
Ya know what, that's the exact answer I got before, but when i went to check it, it didnt come out right! Could you help me check the answer, please?

Answer 15

What is it that you don't understand?

To check the answer, I would go back to the original problem statement and see if my solution holds true. So let's test if my solution of L=36 is true.

If three times Linda's age is decreased by 36, the result is twice Linda's age. How old is Linda???

Then is this statement true: 3L-36 = 2L

3*36-36 = 2*36.............substitute L=36
36(3-1) = 2*36...............factor 36 out
3-1 = 2...........................divide both sides by 36
2=2.................................identity.

Therefore, the solution is valid.

Answer 16

Sorry, I magically switched from using x as my variable to using L as my variable. It really doesn't matter--a duck by any other name is still a duck--as long as you can keep it all straight on paper or in your head. :)