Multiple choice

The sum of ages of a couple is 72 years with the ratio of ages of husband and wife being 7 : 5. If at the time of their marriage the ratio was 5 : 3, how many years ago were they married?

  1. 8

  2. 10

  3. 12

  4. 15
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Present: H+W=72, H:W=7:5. H=42, W=30. Let x be years ago. (42-x)/(30-x) = 5/3. 126-3x = 150-5x. 2x = 24, x = 12.

AI explanation

Using the ratio proportion method, the present ages of the husband and wife are 7x and 5x, where 7x plus 5x equals 72; this gives 12x equals 72, so x is 6. Their present ages are 42 and 30. Let m be the number of years ago they were married; the equation (42 minus m) divided by (30 minus m) equals 5 divided by 3. Solving gives 126 minus 3m equals 150 minus 5m, so 2m equals 24, meaning they were married 12 years ago.

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