Reena is twice as old as Sunita. Three years ago, Reena was three times as old as Sunita. What is present age of Reena?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → 12
Write both present ages in terms of one unknown, then go back three years by subtracting 3 from each age and use the second condition.
Sunita’s present age \(=x\), so Reena’s \(=2x\)
Three years ago: Reena \(2x-3\), Sunita \(x-3\)
Reena was then three times Sunita’s age: \(2x-3=3(x-3)=3x-9\)
Sunita’s age \(x=6\), so Reena’s present age \(=2\times6=12\) years
Tip: The value 6 in Option (2) is Sunita’s present age; the question asks for Reena’s.