Multiple choice

Three years from now, Panna's age will be four years less than three times Eugene's age. The sum of their present ages is 54 years. What is the present age of Panna?

  1. 43 years

  2. 39 years

  3. 41 years

  4. 40 years
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Let Panna's present age be P and Eugene's present age be E. We have P + E = 54 and (P + 3) = 3(E + 3) - 4 = 3E + 5. Substituting P = 3E + 2 into the sum equation gives 4E = 52, so E = 13 and P = 41. Verify: In 3 years, Panna will be 44 and Eugene 16; 3 × 16 - 4 = 44 ✓.

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