Father and twin sons: The average age of a father and his two twin sons is 30 years. If the ratio of the father’s age to one son’s age is 5 : 2, find the father’s current age.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 50 yr

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We have one parent and two children with an average and a ratio. Transform the ratio into algebraic expressions and use the average to get the exact ages.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Average of three = 30 → total = 90
  • Father : one son = 5 : 2
  • Sons are twins, so both have the same age


Concept / Approach:
Let one son be S and father be (5/2)S. With two sons, total = (5/2)S + 2S = (9/2)S = 90. Solve for S, then compute the father’s age.


Step-by-Step Solution:

(9/2)S = 90 ⇒ S = 20Father’s age = (5/2) * 20 = 50 years


Verification / Alternative check:
Totals: father 50, sons 20 and 20 → sum 90, average 30, ratio 50 : 20 = 5 : 2, all conditions met.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 30, 45, 20, 40: inconsistent with both the ratio and the total 90.


Common Pitfalls:
Treating the 5 : 2 ratio as 5 : 4 for two sons; the ratio is stated for one son, then doubled separately when summing ages.


Final Answer:
50 yr

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