Multiple choice

A is older than B by 29 years, B is older than C by 3 years and D is younger than C by 2 years. Two years later, A's age will be twice the combined age of B, C and D. Find the present age of A (in years).

  1. 34

  2. 36

  3. 39

  4. 41

  5. 45
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

B = C + 3, A = B + 29 = C + 32, D = C - 2. Two years later: (A+2) = 2 * ((B+2) + (C+2) + (D+2)). (C+34) = 2 * (C+5 + C+2 + C) = 2 * (3C+7) = 6C + 14. 5C = 20 -> C = 4. A = 4 + 32 = 36.

AI explanation

Expressing everyone's age in terms of C's age gives C = x, B = x + 3, D = x - 2 and A = x + 32. Two years later, A's age will be x + 34 and the combined age of B, C and D will be (x + 5) + (x + 2) + x = 3x + 7. Setting up the equation x + 34 = 2(3x + 7) and solving yields x = 4, making A's present age 4 + 32 = 36 years.

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