let

x = Lita's present age

y = Cora's present age

Lita's age is three times Cora's age:

x = 3y

The sum of their ages is 24:

x + y = 24

By solving the system of equations:

x = 3y

x + y = 24

we find:

x = 18 years

y = 6 years

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Lita's present age is 18 years.

Cora's present age is 6 years.