Step-by-step explanation:
Okay, so Mary is three times older than her son. That means if her son is x years old, Mary is 3x years old. Got it!
Now, in 12 years, Mary's age will be one year less than twice her son's age. Let me break it down:
Mary's age in 12 years = 3x + 12
Twice her son's age in 12 years = 2(x + 12) = 2x + 24
Now, we know that Mary's age in 12 years will be one year less than twice her son's age:
3x + 12 = 2x + 24 - 1
Simplifying the equation:
3x + 12 = 2x + 23
Subtracting 2x from both sides:
x + 12 = 23
Subtracting 12 from both sides:
x = 11
So, Mary's son is currently 11 years old. And Mary is 33 years old!