Multiple choice

The ages of two persons differ by 16 years. If 6 years ago, the elder one be 3 times as old as the younger one, The Present age (in years) of one of these is ____.

  1. 20

  2. 25

  3. 30

  4. 35
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Let x and y be the ages. x - y = 16. Six years ago: (x-6) = 3(y-6). Substituting x = y + 16: (y+16-6) = 3(y-6) => y+10 = 3y - 18 => 2y = 28 => y = 14. Then x = 30.

AI explanation

Let the younger person's present age be y, making the older person's age y + 16. Six years ago, their ages were y - 6 and y + 10, and the older was three times the younger, giving the equation y + 10 = 3(y - 6). Solving for y, we get y + 10 = 3y - 18, which simplifies to 2y = 28, so y is 14. The older person is 14 plus 16, which is 30 years.

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