01
Have a go first
The Question
A mother is 4 times as old as her daughter. In 12 years she will be twice as old as her daughter. How old are they now?
02
Then check together
The Answer
Reveal the Answer
Daughter 6, Mother 24
Let the daughter be d. Then 4d + 12 = 2(d + 12), giving 2d = 12 and d = 6. With bars: the gap of 3 units never changes, and in 12 years that gap equals the daughter’s new age, so 3d = d + 12.
Now watch the solution
Pencil and paper
Practice Sheet + Marked Answers
The four-question practice sheet, the solutions in our teaching voice and a self-marking quiz for this question are part of The Question Desk course — every school day of the term, with progress you can see. Enrolled group students get it included.
Want a Plan Built Around Your Child, Not Just This Week’s Question?
Small groups of around 4–5 (max 8), matched to your child’s year group and pace. Start with the free baseline assessment and we’ll tell you exactly where they are.
