laura is half as old as kevin. five years ago he was 3 times as old as she was then. how old is luara now?
present:
Laura ---- x
Kevin ---- 2x
5 years ago:
Laura ---- x-5
Kevin ----- 2x-5
At that time "he was 3 times as old as she was"
---> 2x-5 = 3(x-5)
2x - 5 = 3x - 15
-x = -10
x = 10
Laura is now 10 years old
check":
her age -- 10
his age -- 20
5 yrs ago
her age -- 5
his age ---15
Was he 3 times as old as she was?? YES