Multiple choice

One year ago the ratio of Ricky and Shawn's age was 6:7 respectively. Four years hence their ratio would become 7:8.How old is Ricky presently?

  1. 25 years

  2. 30 years

  3. 36 years

  4. 31 years
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Let ages 1 year ago be 6x and 7x. Present ages: 6x+1, 7x+1. Four years hence: 6x+5, 7x+5. Ratio: (6x+5)/(7x+5) = 7/8. 48x + 40 = 49x + 35. x = 5. Ricky's present age = 6(5)+1 = 31.

AI explanation

Let the ages of Ricky and Shawn one year ago be 6x and 7x, making their present ages 6x plus 1 and 7x plus 1. Four years hence, their ages will be 6x plus 5 and 7x plus 5. The ratio equation is (6x + 5) divided by (7x + 5) equals 7 divided by 8. Solving yields 48x plus 40 equals 49x plus 35, so x equals 5. Ricky's present age is 6 times 5 plus 1, which is 31 years.

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