Present ages:
Mom: x
Molly: 1 (x)
3
In 12 years (+12):
Mom: x + 12
Molly: 1 (x) + 12
3
Equation: In 12 years, Molly will be half age of Mom:
[tex] \frac{x + 12}{2} = \frac{1}{3} x +12[/tex]
[tex]2( \frac{1}{3}) (x)+ 2(12) = x + 12[/tex]
[tex] \frac{2}{3} x+24 = x+12[/tex]
[tex] \frac{3}{3} x- \frac{2}{3} x = 24 - 12[/tex]
[tex] \frac{1}{3} x = 12[/tex]
[tex]( \frac{3}{1} )( \frac{1}{3} )x = 12( \frac{3}{1} )[/tex]
x= 36
Present ages:
Mom: x = 36 years old
Molly: 1/3 (36) = 12 years old