Question

A is 12 years older than B. 4 years ago, A was twice as old as B. Find the present ages of A and B.

Answer 1

Given:

• A is 12 years older than B.
• 4 years ago, A was twice as old as B.

Step-wise calculation:

1. Let B’s present age be (x) years.

2. Therefore, A's present age is (x + 12) years.

3. Four years ago:

B’s age was (x – 4).

A’s age was (x + 12 – 4 = x + 8).

4. According to the problem,

4 years ago A was twice as old as B: 

x + 8 = 2(x – 4)

5. Simplify the equation:

x + 8 = 2x – 8 

8 + 8 = 2x – x 

16 = x

6. So, B is 16 years old.

7. Then A’s present age is x + 12 = 16 + 12 = 28.

Present age of A = 28 years.

Present age of B = 16 years.