Age Ratio Problem: John and Mike

mediumGrade 5-7age ratio

The Problem

John is 28 years old. John is twice as old as Mike. How old is Mike?

Answer:

14 years old

Key Information

  • John is 28 years old
  • John is twice as old as Mike

Formula

Age₁ = ratio × Age₂

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Identify the relationship

John is twice as old as Mike
2

Set up equation

John's age = 2 × Mike's age
3

Substitute known value

28 = 2 × Mike's age
4

Solve for unknown age

Mike's age = 28 ÷ 2
5

Calculate

28 ÷ 2 = 14
6

Final answer

Mike is 14 years old

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Multiplying instead of dividing
  • Using the wrong person's age

Helpful Tips

  • When someone is "twice as old," divide by 2 to find the younger age
  • Check your answer by multiplying back

Real-World Application

Ratio problems help understand proportional relationships between ages.

Related Topics:

ageratiodivisionword problems

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