Michael is 3 times as old as Brandon. 18 years ago, Michael was 9 times as old as Brandon. How old is Brandon now?

Solution:

Michael is 3 times as old as Brandon

So let us consider age of Brandon as b and Michael as 3b

The equation is

3b - 18 = 9 (b - 18)

3b - 18 = 9b - 162

By transposing and grouping the like terms

3b - 9b = -162 + 18

So we get,

-6b = -144

Divide both sides by -6

b = 24

So M = 3b = 3 × 24 = 72

Therefore, Brandon is 24 years old now.

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Michael is 3 times as old as Brandon. 18 years ago, Michael was 9 times as old as Brandon. How old is Brandon now?

Summary:

Michael is 3 times as old as Brandon. 18 years ago, Michael was 9 times as old as Brandon. Brandon is 24 years old now.