Problems on Ages — “Present ratio Gopal : Madhawa = 4 : 3. After 6 years, Gopal will be 26 years old. Find Madhawa’s present age.”
Verbal Reasoning
Problems on Ages
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A21 years
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B19.5 years
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C15 years
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D12 years
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E17 years
Answer
Correct Answer: 15 years
Explanation
Introduction / Context:One person’s future age is given along with a present-time ratio. Use the future age to back out that person’s present age, then apply the ratio to compute the other person’s present age.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Now: Gopal : Madhawa = 4 : 3 ⇒ let G = 4k, M = 3k.
- After 6 years: Gopal = 26 ⇒ G + 6 = 26.
Concept / Approach:From G + 6 = 26 get G = 20. Then find k = 20/4 = 5, and M = 3k.
Step-by-Step Solution:
G = 26 − 6 = 20.k = 20 / 4 = 5.M = 3k = 15 years.Verification / Alternative check:Check ratio now: 20 : 15 = 4 : 3 ✓.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:12/17/19.5/21 years would break the 4:3 present ratio given G = 20.
Common Pitfalls:Forgetting to subtract the 6 years to get the present age; incorrectly distributing the ratio before determining k.
Final Answer:15 years