Ralph's age now would be represented as:?

Question

Ralph is 3 times as old as Sara. In 6 years, Ralph will be only twice as old as Sara will be then. Find Ralph's age now.
Ralph's age now would be represented as:

Answer 1

Let R be Ralph's age now
Let S be Sara's age now

Given:
R + 6 will be Ralph's age in 6 years
S + 6 will be Sara's age in 6 years

R = 3S
(R + 6) = 2(S + 6)

Two equations, two unknowns. This will easily be solvable for R (Ralph's age now).

Answer 2

*There is always more than one way to solve this.
*You have two equations: "R" represents Ralph's age & "S" represents Sara's age...
1. R = 3S
2. R = 2S + 6

First: both "R" variables are isolated on one side > set both equations to equal each other....

3S = 2S + 6

Sec: combine "like" terms > subtract "2S" from both sides...

3S - 2S = 2S - 2S + 6
S = 6

Third: we know Sara is 6 yrs old > let's find Ralph's age-replace "6" with "S" in either equation...

1. R = 3S
R = 3(6)
R = 18

Ralph is 18 years old