Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Only I and II
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The task is to determine Subir’s current age from relationships involving his father (and optionally his brother). We will check which statements together give a solvable system.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Use I to express F in terms of S; plug into II to solve S uniquely. Evaluate other combinations for sufficiency.
Step-by-Step Solution:
From I: F = 2S.From II: (S + 5) / (F + 5) = 6 / 11 ⇒ 11(S + 5) = 6(F + 5).Substitute F = 2S: 11S + 55 = 6(2S + 5) = 12S + 30 ⇒ 55 − 30 = 12S − 11S ⇒ S = 25.Therefore, I + II together determine Subir’s present age uniquely: S = 25 years.I + III: Gives F in terms of S and a relation to the brother, but no numeric link to solve S ⇒ insufficient.II + III: The brother’s relation still does not connect to F in a way that fixes S ⇒ insufficient.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
III is extraneous to solving S; using it with either I or II does not close the system. “All three” is overkill since I + II already suffice.
Common Pitfalls:
Trying to bring the brother into the age ratio unnecessarily; it does not add an equation linking S and F.
Final Answer:
Only Statements I and II are sufficient (Subir is 25 years old).
Discussion & Comments