Current age from future value and ratio: The ratio of Surjeet’s age to Sameer’s age is 4 : 3. Surjeet will be 26 years old after 6 years. What is Sameer’s present age?

Introduction / Context:
We blend a given ratio with a future-value condition. First use the future condition to get Surjeet’s present age, then use the ratio to scale down to Sameer’s present age.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Surjeet : Sameer = 4 : 3 (now)
• Surjeet in 6 years = 26

Concept / Approach:
If Surjeet is 26 after 6 years, his present age is 26 − 6. Then assign 4 parts to Surjeet and 3 parts to Sameer proportionally to recover Sameer’s present age.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Check ratio: 20 : 15 = 4 : 3. After 6 years, Surjeet is 26, consistent with the condition.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
21, 24, and 18 do not satisfy both the ratio and the future age condition simultaneously.

Common Pitfalls:
Using 26 directly in the ratio without first subtracting 6 to get the present age.

Final Answer:
15 years