Father four times son now; seven times five years ago: Ravi’s father is four times Ravi’s current age. Five years back, the father was seven times Ravi’s age then. What is the father’s present age?

Introduction / Context:This is a standard two-equation age problem. The current multiplicative relation (father is 4 times the son) is paired with an earlier-time multiplicative relation (7 times five years ago). Solving the simultaneous linear equations gives the exact ages.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Let Ravi’s present age be R, father’s present age be F.
• F = 4R (now).
• Five years ago: F − 5 = 7(R − 5).

Concept / Approach:Substitute F from the first relation into the second and solve for R, then compute F. This avoids introducing extra variables and minimizes algebraic errors.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:Five years ago: father 35, Ravi 5; 35 is indeed 7 times 5. The data is fully consistent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:84/70/35 are inconsistent with both relations; they fail either the current 4x relation or the 7x past relation.

Common Pitfalls:Reversing who is a multiple of whom, or applying the 5-year shift to only one person. Always subtract the same number of years from both ages when going backwards.

Final Answer:40 yr