Question

Two years ago Pete was three times as old as his cousin Claire. Two years before that, Pete was four times as old as Claire. In how many years will the ratio of their ages be $2:1?$

$2$

$4$

$5$

$6$

$8$

Answer: B

Concepts:ages system of equations

Difficulty rating: 1280

Solution:

Let $p$ and $c$ be Pete's and Claire's current ages respectively.

Then we have that $p - 2 = 3(c - 2)$ and $p - 4 = 4(c - 4).$ Simplifying both equations gives us $p = 3c - 4$ and $p = 4c - 12.$ Setting them equal, we have $3c - 4 = 4c - 12$ $c = 8.$

This means that $p = 3 \cdot 8 - 4 = 20.$

Now, we need to find the number of years ( $y$ ) until $20 + y = 2(8 + y),$ which gives us $20 + y = 16 + 2y$ $y = 4.$ Thus, B is the correct answer.

2015 AMC 10A Problem 8

Answer: B

Difficulty rating: 1280

Solution:

Problem 8 in Other Years