Answer to Question #121307 in Algebra for Martin Asamoah

Question

If the ratio of the ages of Kissi and Esinam is 3:5 and that of Esinam and Lariba is 3:5 and the sum of the ages of all 3 is 147 years, what is the age difference between oldest the youngest?

Answer 1

Given: K/E= 3/5, E/L=3/5, K+L+E=147

Solution:

Rewrite K =3E/5 ----------------Equation 1

Rewrite L=5E/3 ------------------Equation 2

K+L+E=147 ------------------------Equation 3

Substitute Equation 1 and 2 in equation 3

3E/5 +5E/3 + E= 147

(9E+25E+15E)/15= 147

49E= 2205

E= 2205/49=45

Age of Esinam=45 years

Age of Kissi=3(45)/5=27 years

Age of Lariba=5(45)/3=75 years

Hence difference between oldest and youngest = 75-27= 48 years.