Algebra Puzzle – Challenge 33

Challenge:

12 years is the difference between Alex’s age and Ron’s age. If the ratio of their ages is 3:5, what is the sum of their ages?

A- 20

B- 30

C- 48

D- 60

E- 66

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Let A be Alex’s age and R be Ron’s age. The ratio of their ages is 3 to 5 and the difference between their ages is 12 years. Therefore, \(R = A + 12\) and \(A = \frac{3}{5} R\)
Replace A in the first equation with its value in the second equation.
\(R = A + 12 → R = \frac{3}{5} R + 12 → \frac{2}{5} R = 12 → R = 30\) and \(A = 18\)
The sum of their ages is 48.

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