Multiple choice

The ratio of present ages of A and B is 7: 5. After 26 years the ratio of their ages will be in ratio 10: 9. At present, what is the age of B?

  1. 5

  2. 10

  3. 24

  4. 14

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

Let present ages be 7x and 5x. After 26 years: (7x+26)/(5x+26) = 10/9. Cross-multiply: 63x+234 = 50x+260, so 13x=26 and x=2. B's present age = 5x = 10 years. Option A (5) is 5x which would be the answer if x=1, not the actual age. Option D (14) would be correct if B's age were 14 when the ratio is 7:5, but solving shows x=2.