Multiple choice

The product of John's age 7 years ago with his age 2 years later is 52. Then John's present age is

  1. 10 years

  2. 11 years

  3. 12 years

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Let John's present age be x. Then (x-7)(x+2) = 52. Expanding: x² - 5x - 14 = 52, so x² - 5x - 66 = 0. Factoring: (x-11)(x+6) = 0. Since age cannot be negative, x = 11 years. Verification: (11-7) × (11+2) = 4 × 13 = 52 ✓

Keep practicing — related questions