Multiple choice general knowledge math & puzzles

A person's present age is two-fifth of the age of his mother. After 8 years, he will be one-half of the age of his mother. How old is the mother at present?

  1. 32

  2. 36

  3. 40

  4. 48

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Let mother be M and son be S. S = 2/5M. In 8 years: (S+8) = 1/2(M+8). Substituting S: 2/5M + 8 = 1/2M + 4. Solving gives 4 = 1/10M, so M = 40.