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?
Verbal Reasoning
Problems on Ages
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A19 years
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B9 years
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C10 years
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D15 years
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ENone of these
Answer
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 = 9Verification / 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.