Question

The present ages of three persons in proportions 4 : 7 : 9. Eight years ago, the sum of their ages was 56. Find their present ages (in years).

Answer 1

Let the ages of the three persons be 4X, 7X and 9X
Let the ages of the three persons 8 YEARS ago be 4X-8, 7X-8 and 9X-8
ATQ,
4X-8+7X-8+9X-8=56
20X-24=56
20X=56+24
20X=80
X=80/20
X=4
Therefore, present ages are 16,28 and 36 

Answer 2

Let the three ages be 4x,7x,9x... A/q,4x-8+7x-8+9x-8=56 --->20x=56+24 --->20x=80 --->x=4. Therefore the ages will be 16,28 & 36.(Ans)