1. **State the problem:** We need to find Penny's current age given that in six years, she will be three times as old as she was four years ago. 2. **Define variables:** Let Penny's current age be $x$ years. 3. **Translate the problem into an equation:** - Penny's age in six years: $x + 6$ - Penny's age four years ago: $x - 4$ According to the problem, in six years Penny's age will be three times her age four years ago: $$x + 6 = 3(x - 4)$$ 4. **Solve the equation:** $$x + 6 = 3x - 12$$ 5. **Isolate $x$:** $$x + 6 - 3x = -12$$ $$\cancel{x} + 6 - \cancel{3x} = -12$$ $$-2x + 6 = -12$$ 6. **Subtract 6 from both sides:** $$-2x + 6 - 6 = -12 - 6$$ $$-2x = -18$$ 7. **Divide both sides by -2:** $$\frac{-2x}{\cancel{-2}} = \frac{-18}{\cancel{-2}}$$ $$x = 9$$ 8. **Answer:** Penny is currently 9 years old.