Quote:
Originally Posted by KeithieW
Hmmmmm...........in a weird sort of way "nuts" could be relevant DS. 
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Driving nuts too!
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!

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