Question

The sum of the ages of Jesse and Kristen is 70 years. 9 years ago, Jesse's age was 3 times Kristen's age. How old is Jesse now? will medal!

Answer 1

Think of a number close to 70 divided by 3

Answer 2

I already know what it is but think of a few numbers and divide them by 3

Answer 3

or take a low number and multiply by 3

Answer 4

My only hint to you is that it is not a whole number

Answer 5

Are you still here?

Answer 6

oh yes , I'm just confused as to the process of setting this up right

Answer 7

Ok, I always did these kinds of problems by dividing 70 itself by 3 and going off of something close to that

Answer 8

Let x represent Jesse's age and let y represent Kristen's age. x+y=70. (x-9)=3(y-9), this represents their age's in relation to each other 9 years ago. Solve for y in your second equation, ((x-9)/3)+9=y. Substitute for y, x+((x-9)/3)+9=70. Solve for x, x+((x-9)/3)=61, (3x/3)+((x-9)/3)=61, (3x+x-9)/3=61, 4x-9=183, 4x=192, x=48

Answer 9

i was wondering why you were still typing!

Answer 10

p.s. banjoman: thats actually not correct

Answer 11

so , in order to get this right and I apologize for not understanding still, I'm trying to take their combined age which is 70 then divide by three to get close to 9?

Answer 12

The actual correct answer, and i used a calculator, is 52.5 for Jesse, and 17.5 for Kristen

Answer 13

You have to keep in mind that Jesse's age isn't currently three times Kristen's age. It was three times Kristen's age 9 years ago.

Answer 14

:( im so sorry i quit

Answer 15

oh well, thanks for clarifying me 1davey29

Answer 16

Np. It's not an uncommon mistake.

Answer 17

thank you to both of you for your help