Solve using the multiplication principle don't forget to check

Ben is three times as old as samantha, who is two years older than half of michel's age. if michel is 12. how old is ben?

According to the 2008 u.s. census, california had a population of approximately 4 × 10^7 people and florida had a population of approximately 2 × 10^7 people. which of the following is true? a. the population of california was approximately two times the population of florida. b. the population of florida was approximately twenty times the population of california. c. the population of florida was approximately two times the population of california. d. the population of california was approximately twenty times the population of florida.

How can i differentiate this equation?