Present-to-future age ratio between a father and daughter: The ratio of the current ages of Suresh and his daughter is 2 : 1. Six years hence, their ages would be in the ratio 23 : 13. Determine Suresh’s present age (in years).

Introduction / Context:This is a standard two-time age-ratio problem that converts neatly into one linear equation in a single variable by expressing present ages via a common multiplier and then advancing both by the same number of years.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Suresh : Daughter now = 2 : 1.
• After 6 years, ratio = 23 : 13.
• Let present ages be 2x and x.

Concept / Approach:Use present ratio to set 2x and x. Advance both by 6, and equate the future ratio to 23/13. Solve for x to recover exact ages. Choose the option that matches Suresh’s present age.

Step-by-Step Solution:1) Present ages: Suresh = 2x, Daughter = x.2) After 6 years: (2x + 6) / (x + 6) = 23 / 13.3) Cross-multiply: 13(2x + 6) = 23(x + 6).4) 26x + 78 = 23x + 138 ⇒ 3x = 60 ⇒ x = 20.5) Suresh now = 2x = 40 years.

Verification / Alternative check:Future ages: 46 and 26, which indeed reduce to 23 : 13 when divided by 2. The data are consistent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 35/45/50/38 years fail to produce the required future ratio of 23 : 13 when back-checked.

Common Pitfalls:Do not change the difference between ages when moving into the future; only add the same increment to both. Also avoid inverting the ratio accidentally.

Final Answer:40 years