Question

Today Arlene is one-fourth of Justin's age. In 10 years, Arlene will be 50% of Justin's ageHow old was Arlene last year?

Answer 1

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

Let Justin's age be x

Arlene today is 1/4 x

Ten years from now

Arlene:  1/2 (x + 10) = 1/4 x + 10       Remove the brackets

1/2 x + 5 = 1/4x + 10                          Subtract 1/4x from both sides.

1/2 x - 1/4x + 5 = 10                           Combine

1/4x + 5 = 10                                      Subtract 5 from both side

1/4 x = 10 - 5                                      Combine

1/4 x = 5                                             Multiply both sides by 4

x = 5 * 4

x = 20

Arlene is 5 years old (1/4 20) right now

Answer:  Last year, Arlene was 4 years old