A father tells his son: “I was as old as you are now at the time of your birth.” If the father is 38 now, how old was the son five years ago?

Problem restatement
At the son's birth, the father's age equaled the son's current age. Use this to find the son's present age, then subtract five years.

Given data

• Father's current age F = 38.
• Let son's current age = S.
• At son's birth (S years ago), father's age = F − S.
• Statement: F − S = S.

Concept/Approach
Set up F − S = S ⇒ 2S = F and solve directly.

Step-by-Step calculation
2S = 38 ⇒ S = 19Son's age five years ago = 19 − 5 = 14

Verification/Alternative
At birth: father's age = 38 − 19 = 19, equal to the son's present age (19). Consistent.

Common pitfalls
Interpreting the statement as “at birth father's age equals son's age at birth” (which is zero).

Final Answer
14 years