Ages — two time-shifted ratios (solve for Shyam): Four years ago Shyam was 3/4 of Ram. Four years hence Shyam will be 5/6 of Ram. Find Shyam’s present age.

Introduction / Context:Two distinct time-shifted ratios give two equations. Solve them to find the current ages consistently.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Shyam − 4 = (3/4)(Ram − 4).
• Shyam + 4 = (5/6)(Ram + 4).

Concept / Approach:Let S and R be present ages. Use elimination or substitution across the two linear equations.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 15, 20, 24 do not satisfy both time-shift conditions for S.

Common Pitfalls:

• Mistaking who is the numerator in each ratio.

Final Answer:16 yr