Question

Salim is half his mother's age now. Ten years ago he was 1/3 his mother's age then. What are their present ages?

Answer 1

Let salim's mother age be 2x
salim's age= x

10 years ago,
salim's mother age= 2x-10
salim's age= x-10

salim's age= 1/3(his mother's age)
=> x-10= (1/3)(2x-10)
=> 3(x-10)= 2x-10
=> 3x-30= 2x-10
=> 3x-2x= 30-10
=> x= 20

•°• salim's age x= 20 years
His mother's age 2x= 40 years

;)
hope it helps

Answer 2

Let the age  of  mother  be  2x years

Age  of  Salim = x years

Now,

Ten years  ago,

Age  of mother  = 2x - 10 years

Age  of  Salim = x - 10 years

According to question,

Age  of  salim = 1/3× age of  mother

$x-10=\frac{1}{3}(2x-10)\\\\3x-30=2x-10\\\\x=30-10\\\\x=20\;years$

Hence,

Age  of  Salim = 20 years

Age of  his mother  = 20×2 = 40 years