Multiple choice

Five years ago, P was three times as old as Q and ten years later, P shall be twice as old as Q. What are the present age of P and Q(in years)?

  1. 45, 30

  2. 30, 40

  3. 50, 20

  4. 50, 30
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Let P and Q be present ages. Five years ago: P - 5 = 3(Q - 5) → P - 5 = 3Q - 15 → P = 3Q - 10. Ten years later: P + 10 = 2(Q + 10) → P + 10 = 2Q + 20 → P = 2Q + 10. Equating: 3Q - 10 = 2Q + 10 → Q = 20. Then P = 3(20) - 10 = 50. Present ages: P = 50, Q = 20.

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