A man’s age after 15 years will be four times his age 15 years ago. What is his present age?
Verbal Reasoning
Problems on Ages
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A10 yr
-
B15 yr
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C20 yr
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D25 yr
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: 25 yr
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This is a symmetric past–future linear relationship around the present age. Convert directly to a single linear equation in the present age x and solve.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Let present age = x years
- x + 15 = 4(x − 15)
Concept / Approach:Expand, collect like terms, and isolate x; ensure the result is a realistic positive age.
Step-by-Step Solution:
x + 15 = 4x − 6015 + 60 = 4x − x ⇒ 75 = 3x ⇒ x = 25Verification / Alternative check:15 years ago: 10; in 15 years: 40 ⇒ 40 = 4 × 10, as required.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:10, 15, 20 do not satisfy the equation x + 15 = 4(x − 15).
Common Pitfalls:Using 4x = x + 30 (incorrect) or forgetting to distribute 4 across both terms in (x − 15).
Final Answer:25 yr.