Solving the Riddle of Grandma’s Age: A Fun Math Puzzle

Algebra can be fun and it doesn't have to be all about complex equations! Today, we're going to solve a delightful and simple riddle involving your dear grandma and her age. Let's dive into the world of basic algebra and discover just how old your grandma is!

Introduction to the Problem

Imagine you're 16 years old. Your grandma, being an important and wise figure in your life, mentions that her age is 4 times your age plus 2. Intrigued? Let's use algebra to uncover the mystery of grandma's age.

Setting Up the Equation

To find your grandma's age, we can set up the following equation:

Let grandma’s age be ( y ) and your age be ( x ).

Given that ( x 16 ) (your age), the equation becomes:

( y 4x 2 )

Substituting ( x 16 ) into the equation:

( y 4 times 16 2 )

Step-by-Step Calculation

Now, let's break down the calculation step by step:

First, multiply 16 by 4: ( 16 times 4 64 ) Then, add 2 to the result: ( 64 2 66 )

Therefore, your grandma's age is 66 years old. Wasn't that easy?

Alternative Methods and Verification

Some of you might have used alternative methods to solve this problem. Here are a few examples:

Example 1

Another way to solve this is to directly calculate the multiplication and subtraction:

( 16 times 4 64 ) ( 64 - 2 66 )

Example 2

If we represent your age as ( x ) and your grandma's age as ( y ), the equation is simpler:

( y 4x 2 )

Substitute ( x 16 ) again:

( y 4 times 16 2 )

Conclusion

Solving math riddles can be both fun and enlightening! Whether you're using simple arithmetic or more complex algebra, the answer to this puzzle remains the same: your grandma is 66 years old. Keep practicing these types of problems to enhance your critical thinking and numerical skills.

Now, let's celebrate 66 years young! Age is just a number, and it's about the memories and wisdom that come with it, right? Take pride in your age and your grandma’s age, and don't forget to share the joy of solving puzzles with your loved ones.