Question

Mary’s age is two third that of Peter’s. Two years ago Mary’s age was half of what

Peter’s age will be in 5 years’ time. How old is Peter now?

Answer 1

Mary's age is 2/3 that of Peter's. Two years ago Mary's age was 1/2 of what Peter's age will be in 5 years' time. how old is Peter now?
**
let x=Peter's age now
2x/3=Mary's age now
two years ago, Mary's age=(2x/3)-2=(2x-6)/3
5 years from now, Peter's age=(x+5)

((2x-6)/3)/(x+5)=1/2
(2x-6)/3(x+5)=1/2
4x-12=3x+15
x=27
ans:
Peter's age now=27

hope it helps ☺

Answer 2

Let Peter's age be x.

Then Mary's age = 2x/3

Two years ago Mary's age = (2x/3)-2

Peter's age after 5 years = 5+x

therefore,

(2x-6)/3 = (5+x)/2

3(x+5) = 2(2x-6)             $\textbf{[By cross multiplication]}$

3x+15 = 4x-12

x=27

Peter's age now=27

Happy to help ☺