Tanya's Present Age

[nycmath]

Tanya is 28 years older than Marcus. In 6 years, Tanya will be three times as old as Marcus. How old is Tanya now?

Let me see.

Marcus' age now = x

Tanya's age now = x + 28

Tanya's age in 6 years = (x + 28) + 6

Marcus' age in 6 years = x + 6

My equation is (x + 28) + 6 = 3(x + 6)

x + 28 + 6 = 3(x + 6)

x + 34 = 3x + 18

34 - 18 = 3x - x

32 = 2x

32/2 = x

16 = x

Tanya's age now = x + 28.

Let x = 16

Tanya's age now = 16 + 28 or 44.

You say?

[Eigenvalue]

The setup is correct, however there is a subtraction error, as 34-18 is 16, not 32. Therefore, x=8 and Tanya's age is 36 rather than 44.