Ages — father, mother and son ratios with a future ratio condition: Present son:father = 1:5 and mother:father = 4:5. After 2 years, son:mother becomes 3:10. Find the present age of the father.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: None of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a multi-ratio age problem linking present ratios to a future ratio. We convert all given ratios into algebraic relations and solve consistently.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Present son:father = 1:5.
  • Present mother:father = 4:5 ⇒ mother:son = 4:1.
  • After 2 years, (son + 2) : (mother + 2) = 3 : 10.


Concept / Approach:
Let present son age be s, then father = 5s; mother = 4s (since mother:son = 4:1). Use the future ratio to determine s, then compute the father’s present age 5s.


Step-by-Step Solution:

(s + 2) / (4s + 2) = 3 / 1010s + 20 = 12s + 6 ⇒ 14 = 2s ⇒ s = 7.Father = 5s = 35 years.


Verification / Alternative check:

Mother = 4*7 = 28; after 2 years: son 9, mother 30 ⇒ 9:30 = 3:10 ✓


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 30, 28, 27 years do not match the computed father’s age (35 years).
  • Hence the only correct choice is “None of these.”


Common Pitfalls:

  • Assuming mother:father = 4:5 implies a fixed difference; it is a ratio, not a difference.
  • Forgetting to add 2 to both ages in the future ratio.


Final Answer:
None of these (father is 35 years)

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