Today, Anna is 10 years older than Michelle. If fifteen years ago, Anna was twice as old as Michelle, how old is Michell

This topic has expert replies
Legendary Member
Posts: 1223
Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2020 2:23 pm
Followed by:1 members

Timer

00:00

Your Answer

A

B

C

D

E

Global Stats

Today, Anna is 10 years older than Michelle. If fifteen years ago, Anna was twice as old as Michelle, how old is Michelle today?

a) 20
b) 22
c) 25
d) 28
e) 30

Answer: C
Source: Official guide
Source: — Problem Solving |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 16207
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanked: 5254 times
Followed by:1268 members
GMAT Score:770
BTGModeratorVI wrote:
Mon Sep 14, 2020 8:41 am
Today, Anna is 10 years older than Michelle. If fifteen years ago, Anna was twice as old as Michelle, how old is Michelle today?

a) 20
b) 22
c) 25
d) 28
e) 30

Answer: C
Source: Official guide
There's also the option of testing the answer choices. In many cases, it can be the fastest approach.

A) 20
If Michelle is 20 years old TODAY, then Anna is 30 years old TODAY (since she's 10 years older than Michelle)
So, 15 YEARS AGO, Michelle was 5 years old and Anna was 15 years old
This does NOT meet the given condition that Anna was twice as old as Michelle 15 YEARS AGO
Eliminate A

B) 22
If Michelle is 22 years old TODAY, then Anna is 32 years old TODAY (since she's 10 years older than Michelle)
So, 15 YEARS AGO, Michelle was 7 years old and Anna was 17 years old
This does NOT meet the given condition that Anna was twice as old as Michelle 15 YEARS AGO
Eliminate B

C) 25
If Michelle is 25 years old TODAY, then Anna is 35 years old TODAY (since she's 10 years older than Michelle)
So, 15 YEARS AGO, Michelle was 10 years old and Anna was 20 years old
This DOES meet the given condition that Anna was twice as old as Michelle 15 YEARS AGO

Answer: C
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image