The sum of the ages of Lindsey and Meghan is \(y,\) and Lindsey is exactly 9 years older than Meghan. Natalie is how man

[M7MBA]

The sum of the ages of Lindsey and Meghan is \(y,\) and Lindsey is exactly 9 years older than Meghan. Natalie is how many years older than Meghan?

(1) In \(y\) years, Meghan will be exactly three times as old as Natalie is now.

(2) Lindsey is exactly 6 years older than Natalie.

Answer: D

Source: Veritas Prep

[deloitte247]

Let Lindsey's age = l and Meghan's age = m
l + m = y where l = m + 9
m + 9 + m = y and y = 2m + 9


Target question => Natalie is how many years older than Meghan?
Let Natalie's age = n; find n - m?


Statement 1 => in y years, Meghan will be exactly 3 times as old as Natalie is now
In y years => m + y = 3n
From question stem y = 2m + 9
m + 2m + 9 - 3n
3m + 9 - 3n
9 = 3n - 3m
9/3 = 3(n-m)/3
3 = n - m or n - m = 3
Since the target question can be answered with certainty, statement 1 is SUFFICIENT


Statement 2 => Lindsey is exactly 6 years older Natalie
l = n + 6 from question stem, it can be derived that l = m + 9
m + 9 = n + 6
9 - 6 = n - m
3 = n - m or n - m = 3
Since target question can be answered with certainty, statement 2 is SUFFICIENT


Each statement alone can be answered with certainty and ARE SUFFICIENT,
Answer = D