Maria's father is three times as old as Maria. Six years ago, father's age was

five times Maria's age. What are their ages?

Answer: Maria's age = 12

Father's age = 36

Step-by-step explanation:

Let Maria's age be p and her father's age be q

Then, we form equation from the question:

Father's age (q) = 3 x p

Therefore, q = 3p ... equation 1

Six years ago,

q - 6 = 5 (p - 6)

q - 6 = 5p - 30

q - 5p = - 30 + 6

q - 5p = - 24 ... equation 2

Insert the value of q = 3p into equation 2

3p - 5p = - 24

-2p = - 24

Divide both sides by - 2

p = - 24/-2

p = 12

If Maria"s age is 12, then Father's age (q) = 3p will be 3 x 12 = 36

The dad is 36 and Maria is 12