2 years ago, the ratio of Sita’s and Prakash’s ages was 5 : 8 respectively. After 4 years this ratio would become 2 : 3. Find the present age (in years) of Sita.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 32 years
A ratio of ages is written with a common multiplier; the ages 2 years ago are taken as \(5k\) and \(8k\), and both people grow 6 years older by the second time (2 years back to now, then 4 more).
Ages 2 years ago: Sita \(5k\), Prakash \(8k\)
Ages 4 years from now: \(5k+6\) and \(8k+6\)
\(\displaystyle \frac{5k+6}{8k+6}=\frac{2}{3}\)
\(15k+18=16k+12\), so \(k=6\)
Sita’s present age \(=5\times6+2=32\) years