Multiple choice

Four years ago, the ratio of the ages of P and Q was 13 : 9 and eight years hence, it would be 4 : 3. The difference of their present ages is

  1. 56 years

  2. 40 years

  3. 16 years

  4. 24 years

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

Let ages 4 years ago be 13x and 9x, so current ages are 13x+4 and 9x+4. After 8 years: (13x+12)/(9x+12) = 4/3. Solving gives 39x+36 = 36x+48, so 3x=12 and x=4. Current ages are 56 and 40, difference is 16 years. Option C is correct.

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