Question

I am currently 5 times as old as my son. In 6 years time i will be three times as old as he will be then. What are our ages now

Answer 1

Let us assume the present age of the son to be 'a' years.

Hence, the present age of the father will be 5 a.

Calculating the age of the son after 6 years:

= a + 6 years

Calculating the age of the father after 6 years:

= 5a + 6 years

Framing an equation according to the question:

5a + 6 = 3(a + 6)

Solving this equation:

5a + 6 = 3a + 18

5a - 3a = 18 - 6

2a = 12

Taking 2 to the other side of the equation we get:

a = 12 / 2

a = 6 years

Therefore, the present age of the son is 6 years.

Therefore, the present age of the father is

= 5a

= 5 x 6

= 30 years

Answer 2

son age = x

fathers age =5x

5x+6 =3(x+6)

5x+6=3x+18

5x-3x=18-6

2x=12

x=2÷12

age of son ×=6

age of father = 5x=5×6= 30