word problem help please

[clueman778]

I know if I can set up the equation, I will be able to solve this.

Gene is 23 years old and Stan is 15 years old. How many years ago was Gene three times as old as Stan was then?

Should x be the number of years, or should x be Stan's age then? I am confused.

 

[Deleted member 4993]

I know if I can set up the equation, I will be able to solve this.

Gene is 23 years old and Stan is 15 years old. How many years ago was Gene three times as old as Stan was then?

Should x be the number of years, or should x be Stan's age then? I am confused.

Let:

x = number of years ago (this is what you need to find)

S = Stan's age

G = Gene's age

 

[clueman778]

solved

I think I got it.

23 -x = 3 (15 - x)
23 - x = 45 - 3x
23 + 2x = 45
2x = 22
x = 11 years ago

Thank you for the help.