Age Ratio Problem: Mike and David

mediumGrade 5-7age ratio

The Problem

Mike is 38 years old. Mike is twice as old as David. How old is David?

Answer:

19 years old

Key Information

  • Mike is 38 years old
  • Mike is twice as old as David

Formula

Age₁ = ratio × Age₂

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Identify the relationship

Mike is twice as old as David
2

Set up equation

Mike's age = 2 × David's age
3

Substitute known value

38 = 2 × David's age
4

Solve for unknown age

David's age = 38 ÷ 2
5

Calculate

38 ÷ 2 = 19
6

Final answer

David is 19 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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