Ages — two-person sum with a future ratio: Varun and Kapil together are 42 years old. After 5 years, their age ratio will be 15:11 (Varun:Kapil). Find Kapil’s present age.

Introduction / Context:Sum of ages combined with a future ratio creates a simple system. We use substitution to solve for each present age.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• V + K = 42.
• (V + 5) : (K + 5) = 15 : 11.

Concept / Approach:Convert the ratio into an equation and use V = 42 − K to solve for K.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 24, 25, 22 do not satisfy both the sum and the future ratio together.

Common Pitfalls:

• Inverting the ratio 15:11.
• Arithmetic mistakes while expanding and simplifying.

Final Answer:17 yr