Father–Son Statement — “A father says: ‘I was as old as you are now when you were born.’ If father is 52 now, what was the son’s age 8 years ago?”
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A10 years
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B18 years
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C12 years
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D20 years
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E14 years
Answer
Correct Answer: 18 years
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This statement equates the father’s age at the son’s birth to the son’s current age, producing a neat equation. Once the son’s present age is found, we can roll back 8 years as asked.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Father now = 52; let son now = x.
- At birth (x years ago), father’s age = 52 − x.
- Given: 52 − x = x ⇒ 2x = 52.
Concept / Approach:Translate the sentence literally into an equation, solve for x, and subtract 8 to get the past age required.
Step-by-Step Solution:
52 − x = x ⇒ x = 26.Son 8 years ago = 26 − 8 = 18.Verification / Alternative check:At birth: father was 26, matching “as old as you are now.” Presently father 52, son 26; the difference 26 is consistent over time.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:10/12/20/14 do not equal 26 − 8.
Common Pitfalls:Misreading the statement as 52 = 2x (without the shift) or subtracting 8 from the father instead of the son.
Final Answer:18 years