Question

Suraj is six years older than Suman . Five years ago Suraj was three times as old as Suman . What are their present ages?

Answer 1

Answer: Suraj's age = 14yrs

Suman's age = 8yrs

Step-by-step explanation:

Let Suman's age be 'x'

Suraj's age = x + 6

5 years ago,

Suman = x - 5 yrs

Suraj = x + 6 - 5 = x + 1 yrs

ATQ,

x + 1 = 3(x-5)

x + 1 = 3x - 15

3x - x = 15 +1

2x = 16

x = 16/2 = 8

Hence,

Suman's present age = 8yrs

Suraj's present age = (8 + 6) = 14yrs

Hope it is clear and helps

Answer 2

Let the age of Suman be x years

Let the age of Suraj be x + 6

Before 5 years, age of Suman = x - 5

Before 5 years, age of Suraj = x + 6 - 5 = x + 1


According to the question,

x + 1 = 3(x - 5)

x + 1 = 3x - 15

x - 3x = -15 - 1

-2x = -16

x = $\dfrac{16}{2}$

x = 8



Present age of Suman => x years

=> 8 years


Present age of Suraj => x + 6 years

=> 8 + 6

=> 14 years