Multiple choice

The ratio between the present ages of Rama and Beena is 4:5. Seven years ago the ratio of their ages was 3:4. What is the present age of Beena?

  1. 35 years

  2. 28 years

  3. 21 years

  4. Cannot be determined

  5. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Let Rama's present age be 4x and Beena's be 5x. Seven years ago: Rama was 4x - 7, Beena was 5x - 7. The ratio was 3:4, so (4x - 7)/(5x - 7) = 3/4. Cross-multiplying: 4(4x - 7) = 3(5x - 7), giving 16x - 28 = 15x - 21, so x = 7. Beena's present age = 5 × 7 = 35 years. The marked answer (A: 35 years) is correct.