Mike’s father is twice as old as he is. Seven years ago, the father was 7 years less than thrice as old as Mike was. Find Mike’s present age.

Answer 1

List their ages at the two different times

NOW:
Mike's age --- x
father's age -- 2x

7 YEARS AGO:
Mike ---- x-7
father ---- 2x-7

It said: " (7 yrs ago) the father was 7 years less than thrice as old as Mike was
---> 2x-7 = 3(x-7) - 7
2x - 7 = 3x - 21 - 7
-x = -21
x = 21

Mike is now 21 , his father now is 42

check:
7 years ago, Mile was 14, his father was35
Is 35 equal to 3 times 14 less 7 ?? YES