Question

A man 4 times as old as his son. After 16 years, he will be only twice as old as his son. Find their present ages.

Answer 1

Let the present age of the son = x years.
Therefore, the present age of his father = 4x years.
So, after 16 years,
Son’s age = (x + 16) and father’s age = (4x + 16) years
According to the question:
$\Rightarrow 4x+16=2(x+16)$
$\Rightarrow 4x+16=2x+32$
$\Rightarrow 4x–2x=32–16$
$\Rightarrow 2x=16$
Dividing both sides by 2, we get
$\Rightarrow \frac{2x}{2}=\frac{16}{2}$
$\Rightarrow x=8$
So, the present age of the son = x = 8 years,
And the present age of the father = 4x = 4(8) = 32 years