Ages (marriage-time multiplier and sibling offset): Ram married 8 years ago. His present age is 6/5 times his age at marriage. Ram's sister was 10 years younger than him at his marriage. Find the sister's present age.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 38 years

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Here, a multiplicative relation connects Ram's present age to his marriage age, and a sibling offset is anchored to the same marriage time. Walking through the timeline consistently yields the sister's present age.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Let Ram's marriage age be x; present age = (6/5)x.
  • Since marriage was 8 years ago, present age also equals x + 8.
  • At marriage, sister's age = x − 10.


Concept / Approach:
First find x by equating x + 8 with (6/5)x. Then add 8 years to the sister's marriage-time age to get her age today.


Step-by-Step Solution:

x + 8 = (6/5)x ⇒ 8 = (1/5)x ⇒ x = 40. Sister at marriage: 40 − 10 = 30; today: 30 + 8 = 38 years.


Verification / Alternative check:
Ram today is (6/5)*40 = 48, and was 40 at marriage, exactly 8 years earlier (✓). Sister's present age follows consistently.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They result from algebraic slips (e.g., treating 6/5 as 5/6) or misapplying the 10-year offset and 8-year shift.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing who is 10 years younger at marriage (sister vs. Ram) and mixing up the 8-year advancement.


Final Answer:
38 years

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