SAT Prep

Answer: E - The mother is 36 years old. If the mother’s age is x and the son’s age is y, you can use the following system of equations to solve the problem:.
x − y = 22
x − 3 = 3(y − 3)

x = y + 22
x − 3 = 3y − 9
x = y + 22
x = 3y − 6
y + 22 = 3y − 6
28 = 2y
y = 14
x = y + 22 = 14 + 22 = 36

So, the mother is 36 years old.