Question

If Zeba were younger by 5 years than what she really is, then the square of her age (in years) would have been 11 more than five times her actual age. What is her age now?

Answer 1

Let Zeba’s age = x

According to the question,

(x – 5)² = 11 + 5x

x² + 25 – 10x = 11 + 5x

x² – 15x + 14 = 0

x² – 14x – x + 14 = 0

x(x – 14) – 1(x – 14) = 0

x = 1 or x = 14

We have to neglect 1 as 5 years younger than 1 cannot happen.

Therefore, Zeba’s present age = 14 years.