Simon is three times older than Cheryl. In five years, the sum of their ages will be 74. How old is Simon?

Currently Simon (S), is 3 times older than Cheryl (C), therefore:S = 3CAnd including the other information a simultaneous equation can be constructed, making sure to note that both will have aged by 5 years in that time and to incorporate that into the equation:(S + 5) + (C + 5) = 74Solve for C:(3C + 5) + (C + 5) = 744C +10 = 744C = 64C = 16The question asks for Simon's age, and as we know he is 3 times older than Cheryl we simply multiply her age (16) by 3 to get the answer of 48 years old.