A mother is 25 years older than her daughter. Five years ago, the mother's age was six times the daughter's age. What is the mother's present age?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 35 years

Explanation:

Introduction / Context:We combine a difference-of-ages condition with a past multiple relation. Express both conditions as equations and solve for present ages.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Mother is 25 years older than daughter now.
  • Five years ago, mother's age was six times daughter's age.

Concept / Approach:Let present ages be M and D. Then M = D + 25, and M − 5 = 6(D − 5). Solve for D first, then compute M.

Step-by-Step Solution:

M = D + 25M − 5 = 6(D − 5)Substitute: (D + 25) − 5 = 6D − 30D + 20 = 6D − 30 ⇒ 50 = 5D ⇒ D = 10Therefore, M = 10 + 25 = 35

Verification / Alternative check:

Five years ago: Mother 30, Daughter 5 ⇒ 30 = 6*5 ✓

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 25, 29, 32 years do not satisfy the six-times relation with a 25-year difference.
  • None of these: 35 fits perfectly.

Common Pitfalls:Using M − D = 25 but forgetting to subtract 5 from both in the past relation; or replacing “six times” with “six more.”

Final Answer:35 years

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