Gita is 12 years older than Harvey. In 4 years, Gita will be twice as old as Harvey. How old will Harvey be in 3 years?

[BTGmoderatorLU]

Source: Magoosh

Gita is 12 years older than Harvey. In 4 years, Gita will be twice as old as Harvey. How old will Harvey be in 3 years?

A. 5
B. 11
C. 15
D. 19
E. 23

The OA is B

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Source: Magoosh

Gita is 12 years older than Harvey. In 4 years, Gita will be twice as old as Harvey. How old will Harvey be in 3 years?

A. 5
B. 11
C. 15
D. 19
E. 23

The OA is B

Gita is 12 years older than Harvey.
Let x = Harvey's PRESENT age
Let x + 12 = Gita's PRESENT age

In 4 years, . . . .
x + 4 = Harvey's age IN FOUR YEARS
(x + 12) + 4 = Gita's age IN FOUR YEARS

. . . Gita will be twice as old as Harvey.
So: (Gita's age IN 4 YEARS) = 2(Harvey's age IN 4 YEARS)
In other words: (x + 12) + 4 = 2(x + 4)
Simplify: x + 16 = 2x + 8
Subtract x from both sides: 16 = x + 8
Subtract 8 from both sides: 8 = x

So, Harvey's PRESENT age is 8 years old

How old will Harvey be in 3 years?
Harvey will be 11 years old in 3 years.

Answer: B

Cheers,
Brent