Multiple choice

The sum of ages of A and B is 45 years. Five years ago the product of their ages was 4 times the age of A at that time. Find the present age of A?

  1. 36 years

  2. 38 years

  3. 39 years

  4. 40 years

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Let A's present age be x years, so B's age = (45-x) years. Five years ago: (x-5) × (40-x) = 4(x-5). Either x-5 = 0 (x = 5) or 40-x = 4 (x = 36). If A = 36, B = 9. Five years ago A = 31, B = 4. Product = 124, but 4×A = 124. This checks out.

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