Robert’s father is 4 times as old as Robert. After 5 years, father will be three times as old as Robert. Find their present ages.
Solution:
Let Robert’s age be x years.
Then Robert’s father’s age = 4x
After 5 years, Robert’s age = x + 5
Father’s age = 4x + 5
According to the question,
4x + 5 = 3(x + 5)
⇒ 4x + 5 = 3x + 15
⇒ 4x - 3x = 15 - 5
⇒ x = 10
⇒ 4x = 4 × 10 = 40
Robert’s present age is 10 years and that of his father’s age = 40 years