Let's solve this step by step:

Step 1: Let's denote John's current age as J and Sarah's current age as S. From the problem, we know that J + S = 26.

Step 2: We also know that five years ago, John was three times as old as Sarah. So, J - 5 = 3(S - 5).

Step 3: Now we have a system of two equations, and we can solve it. Let's substitute S from the first equation (S = 26 - J) into the second one:

J - 5 = 3((26 - J) - 5)

Step 4: Simplify the equation:

J - 5 = 3(21 - J)

J - 5 = 63 - 3J

Step 5: Combine like terms:

4J = 68

Step 6: Divide by 4 to solve for J:

J = 68 / 4 = 17

So, John is 17 years old now, which corresponds to option c.

Question

Let's solve this step by step:

Step 1: Let's denote John's current age as J and Sarah's current age as S. From the problem, we know that J + S = 26.

Step 2: We also know that five years ago, John was three times as old as Sarah. So, J - 5 = 3(S - 5).

Step 3: Now we have a system of two equations, and we can solve it. Let's substitute S from the first equation (S = 26 - J) into the second one:

J - 5 = 3((26 - J) - 5)

Step 4: Simplify the equation:

J - 5 = 3(21 - J)

J - 5 = 63 - 3J

Step 5: Combine like terms:

4J = 68

Step 6: Divide by 4 to solve for J:

J = 68 / 4 = 17

So, John is 17 years old now, which corresponds to option c.

Knowee AI · Accepted Answer