How to solve Age Word Problems?

If the problem involves a single person, then it is similar to an Integer Problem.

Read the problem carefully to determine the relationship between the numbers.
This is shown in the examples involving a single person.

If the age problem involves the ages of two or more people then using a table
would be a good idea. A table will help you to organize the information and to
write the equations. This is shown in the examples involving more than one
person.

Related Topics: More Algebra Word Problems

How to solve Age Problems Involving A Single Person?

Example:

Five years ago, John’s age was half of the age he will be in 8 years. How old is
he now?

Solution:

Step 1: Let x be John’s age now. Look at the question and put the relevant
expressions above it.

Step 2: Write out the equation.

Isolate variable x

Answer: John is now 18 years old.

How to use Algebra to solve age problems?
Examples:
1. Ten years from now, Orlando will be three times older than he is today. What
is his current age?

2. In 20 years, Kayleen will be four times older than she is today. What is her
current age?

 Show Step-by-step Solutions