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?”

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:

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