Problems on Ages — “Rahul is 5 years younger than Ritu. If 3 years ago Ritu’s age was x, express Rahul’s present age in terms of x.”

Introduction / Context:
Algebraic age expressions often anchor one person’s age at a past time and ask for another’s present age in terms of a variable x. Track the time shift carefully, then apply the stated difference between ages.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ritu’s age 3 years ago = x ⇒ Ritu’s present age = x + 3.
• Rahul is 5 years less than Ritu at present.

Concept / Approach:
Use the linear relation “Rahul = Ritu − 5” with Ritu’s present age already expressed in x. No further equations are needed.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Plug a sample value (e.g., x = 12 ⇒ Ritu now 15; Rahul now 10). Rahul is indeed 5 less than Ritu.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They add years instead of subtracting 5, or apply the shift in the wrong direction.

Common Pitfalls:
Misreading “3 years ago” as applying to Rahul too; the statement anchors only Ritu’s past age and gives a present-time difference.

Final Answer:
x - 2