Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 16 years
Explanation:
Problem restatement
Two time-shifted age ratios are given (6 years ago and 4 years hence). Write equations for present ages and solve.
Given data
Concept/Approach
Convert each ratio to a linear equation and solve the simultaneous system.
Step-by-Step calculation
5(K − 6) = 6(S − 6) ⇒ 5K − 30 = 6S − 36 ⇒ 5K = 6S − 6 …(1)10(K + 4) = 11(S + 4) ⇒ 10K + 40 = 11S + 44 ⇒ 10K = 11S + 4 …(2)From (1): K = (6S − 6)/5Plug in (2): 10×(6S − 6)/5 = 11S + 4 ⇒ 12S − 12 = 11S + 4 ⇒ S = 16
Verification/Alternative
Then K from (1): 5K = 6×16 − 6 = 90 ⇒ K = 18. Check: 6 years ago → (12:10) = 6:5; 4 years hence → (22:20) = 11:10. Works.
Common pitfalls
Dropping the time shifts (−6 and +4) when forming the equations.
Final Answer
16 years
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