Where's daddy?

[VAXman]

Here's some fun for you moonies... a little math problem:

Question :

The mother is 21 years older than the child.

In 6 years from now the mother will be 5 times as old as the child.

Where's the father?

When/if you get the answer, PM me.

[progdirjim]

just saw this and sent you a PM with the answer...

[vayenn]

ibid

[DragonStab]

So what's the answer already !!! It's driving me nuts!!

[KeithieW]

So what's the answer already !!! It's driving me nuts!!
Hmmmmm...........in a weird sort of way "nuts" could be relevant DS. :knowing:

[VAXman]

Hmmmmm...........in a weird sort of way "nuts" could be relevant DS. :knowing:
Driving nuts too! :knowing:

OK. Enough of you responded and most with the correct answer.


A little simple algebra is needed.

First: The mother (M) is (=) 21 years older (+) than the Child (C).

M = 21 + C

Second: In 6 years from now the mother (M +6) will be (=) 5 times (5*) as old as the child {6 years from now} (C + 6).

M + 6 = 5 * (C + 6)

We now have a system of linear equations which can be solved in a number of different ways. The simplest is by substitution. Substitute the relation ship of Mother to Child's age in the First equation into the second:

(21 + C) +6 = 5 * (C +6) :: 27 + C = 5C + 30

Now collecting the like terms yeilds:

C - 5C = 30 - 27 :: -4C = 3

C (the child's age) = -3/4 (years)

This is 9 months before the child is born, so it must be the moment of conception. The whereabouts of the father are now left as an exercise for the reader. ;)


Just trying to keep your math skills fresh and your minds dirty! :)

[DragonStab]

Ouch... math hurt brain. Me pound drum instead.....

[VAXman]

No Rick she was 21 years older. I'd guess that "daddy" was giving her one hell of a 21st birthday present! :knowing: :D

[vayenn]

And I mentally managed to get the child's age to -1.8 years :headscrat, which is indeed possible for the african elephant, so I figured daddy was in Africa. Lol, should never use my head unnecessarily...

Btw, no need for an eq. system really as six years from now, if child then is c years, mother will be 5c years. Since the difference remains, 5c - c = 21 years, i.e. the child is then c = 21/4 = 5.25 years, which translates to -0.75 years now.

VAXman, thanks for twisting our brains :thumbsup: Hoping for followers. I might have something in a drawer somewhere...