The present ages of a father and his son are 41 years and 16 years, respectively. In how many years will the father be exactly twice as old as his son?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 9 years

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Find the time t such that future ages satisfy a multiplicative relation. Build and solve a linear equation in t.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Father now = 41, son now = 16
  • Require: 41 + t = 2(16 + t)


Concept / Approach:
Set up the future-time equation and isolate t.


Step-by-Step Solution:

41 + t = 32 + 2t41 − 32 = 2t − t ⇒ t = 9


Verification / Alternative check:
After 9 years: father 50, son 25 ⇒ 50 = 2 × 25, holds.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
10, 15, 19 do not satisfy the doubling condition when tested.


Common Pitfalls:
Applying 2× to present ages instead of future ages or forgetting to add t to both.


Final Answer:
9 years.

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