If May was three times as old as Ann 12 years ago, and the sum of their ages is now 48, then:
May is 30 years old
Ann is 18 years old
Let the present age of May be represented by y
Let the present age of Ann be represented by x
Sum of their present ages is 48
x + y = 48..........(1)
12 years ago:
Mary's age = y - 12
Ann's age = x - 12
Mary was three times as old as Ann
y - 12 = 3(x - 12)
y - 12 = 3x - 36
y = 3x - 36 + 12
y = 3x - 24........(2)
Substitute equation (2) into equation (1)
x + (3x - 24) = 48
x + 3x - 24 = 48
4x = 48 + 24
4x = 72
x = 72/4
x = 18
Substitute x = 18 into equation (2)
y = 3(18) - 24
y = 30
May is 30 years old
Ann is 18 years old
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