If 5 years ago Nina was twice as old as Sam, how soon from now will she be 1.5 times as old as Sam? If x is Sam's age 5 years ago, give your answer in terms of x.

In x - 5 years.

Step-by-step explanation:

5 years ago:

Sam's age: x

Nina's age: 2x

Now:

Sam's age: x + 5

Nina's age: 2x + 5

Let t be the number of years from now that Nina will be 1.5 times Sam's age.

In t years:

Sam's age: x + t + 5

Nina's age: 2x + t + 5

Nina will be 1.5 times Sam's age:

2x + t + 5 = 1.5 (x + t + 5)

2x + t + 5 = (3/2) (x + t + 5)

2 (2x + t + 5) = 3 (x + t + 5)

4x + 2t + 10 = 3x + 3t + 15

4x + 10 = 3x + t + 15

x - 5 = t

t = x - 5