Sachin is 7 years younger than Rahul. If their ages are in the ratio 7:9 (Sachin:Rahul), how old is Sachin?

Problem restatementLet Sachin:Rahul = 7:9 with a fixed 7-year difference Rahul − Sachin = 7. Find Sachin's age.

Given data

• Let Sachin = 7x, Rahul = 9x.
• Rahul − Sachin = 7 ⇒ 9x − 7x = 7.

Concept/ApproachUse the ratio form with the known difference to solve for x, then compute Sachin's age.

Step-by-Step calculation2x = 7 ⇒ x = 3.5Sachin = 7x = 24.5

Verification/AlternativeRahul = 9x = 31.5; difference = 31.5 − 24.5 = 7 (matches); ratio = 24.5:31.5 = 7:9.

Common pitfallsAssuming ages must be integers. Age problems can yield half-years when both a ratio and a fixed difference are imposed.

Final Answer24.5 years