Can someone please explain to me how to figure out worded problems in algebra such as the one below? Thank you in advance.

In two years time, Karishma's age will be three times Emily's age, Emily is now t years old. How old is Karishma now?

There are usually "math" code words in worded problems in algebra.

plus, more= addition
minus, less= subtraction
times, the product, multiplied= multiplication
divided, (specific divisions like 1/2 halved, quartered 1/4 etc.)= division
is, will be, are = equals

In two years (+2) Karisma(k) will be three times Emily's age (t):


Both get plus two because it is in two years. Also, the three goes toward Emily's age because Karisma will be 3 times older than Emily's.

Thus the above problem would be 3t + 6. So, using your "maths code word" method, have I completed the following problem correctly?

Two years ago, Isabella's age was three times her brother's age. Her brother is now x years old. How old is Isabella now?

Two years ago (-2), Isabella's age was three times (3) her brother's age. Her brother is now x years old. How old is Isabella now?

Isabella's age 2 years ago = 3x - 2
Isabella's age now = 3x

This isn't right.... Help me!

You have not understood the technique. Let Isabella age be I. Then:

I - 2 = 3(x - 2) therefore I = 3(x - 2) + 2 = ....

__________________
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The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark. (Michelangelo Buonarroti)

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