How Do You Solve a Word Problem with an Equation Using Division?

'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
'3m = 36' is the equation we created from the word problem
36/3 = 12
Substitute our answer '12' for 'm' in the original equation to make sure our answer is correct
'36 = 36' is a true statement, so Maria's age is definitely '12'

1. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
1. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
1. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
1. Jack's age = 3(Maria's age) = 3m
2. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
1. Jack's age = 3(Maria's age) = 3m
2. Jack's age = 36
3. 3m = 36
4. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
1. 3m = 36
2. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
1. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
1. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
1. 3m = 36
2. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
1. Dividing '3m' by '3' will give us 'm' by itself
2. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
3. 36/3 = 12
1. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
1. '3m = 36' is the original equation we created from the word problem
1. '3m = 36' is the original equation we created from the word problem
2. We're substituting 'm' with '12'
3. 3(12) = 36
1. We got '36' on both sides of the equation
1. Jack's age = 3m = 36
2. 'm' is a variable representing Maria's age
3. Solving for 'm' shows us that Maria is 12 years old

Maria's uncle Jack is three times as old as she is. If Jack is 36, how old is Maria?