Twelve years ago, A’s mother was four times as old as A. After 14 years, she will be twice as old as A. What is the present age of A?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → 25 years
Let A be \(a\) years old now and the mother \(m\) years. Write one equation for each time, using ages then = ages now minus or plus the years.
Twelve years ago: \(m-12=4(a-12)\), so \(m=4a-36\)
After 14 years: \(m+14=2(a+14)\), so \(m=2a+14\)
\(4a-36=2a+14\), so \(2a=50\) and \(a=25\)
A is 25 years old (the mother is 64)