The sum of the ages of Jose and Valerie is 78 years. 9 years ago, Jose's age was 3 times Valerie's age. How old is Jose now?

Question

(A) Translate the given information into an equation using the variable x = current age of Jose. Your equation should contain 78, 3, and 9. Do not simplify your equation.

(B) How old is Jose currently?
Jose is__________ years old

Answer 1

Now:
Valeries age --- x
Jose's age ------ 78-x

9 years ago:
Val ----- x-9
Jo ------ 78-x-9 = 69-x

at that time Jose was 3 times as old as Val

69-x = 3(x-9)

solve for x