Algebra Puzzle – Challenge 48

Challenge:

12 years ago Michael was X times as old as Ryan was. If Michael is now 27 years old, how old is Ryan now in terms of X?

A- \(\frac{x}{15}\)

B- \(15x\)

C- \(\frac{15}{x}-12\)

D- \(\frac{15}{x}+12\)

E- \(\frac{x}{15}+12\)

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12 years ago Michael was 15 years old. At that time, he was X times as old as Ryan was. Plug is a value for X. Let’s say X is 3. Therefore, Ryan was 5 years old 12 years ago. Now, Ryan is 17.
Plug in 3 for X and check all 5 options:
A. \(\frac{15}{3} = 3\),
B. \(15 × 3 = 45\),
C. \(\frac{15}{3} – 12= -7\),
D. \(\frac{15}{3} + 12 = 17\)! Bingo
E. \(\frac{3}{15} + 12 = \frac{123}{15}\)

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