Example 1
A father is 3 times as old as his son. 5 years from now, the sum of their ages will be 66 years. What is the son's present age?
Answer: B) 14 years
Let son = x, father = 3x. 4x + 10 = 66, so x = 14.
Problems on Ages questions for competitive exams: rules, worked examples and practice
Problems on ages turn statements like "the father is 3 times as old" into equations. The age difference between two people never changes.
Key rules and formulas
- Let the present ages be variables; translate each sentence into an equation.
- After n years, every age increases by n; n years ago, every age decreases by n.
- The difference of two ages stays the same at every time.
- Ratio questions: write ages as kx and mx.
Common traps
- Adding the years to only one person.
- Answering with the age at the wrong time (present vs future).
Where Problems on Ages is asked
- IBPS Clerk Prelims (Numerical Ability)
- IBPS PO Prelims (Quantitative Aptitude)
- RRB Group D (Mathematics)
- RRB NTPC CBT 1 (Mathematics)
- SBI Clerk Prelims (Numerical Ability)
- SBI PO Prelims (Quantitative Aptitude)
- SSC CGL Tier 1 (Quantitative Aptitude)
- SSC CGL Tier 2 (Mathematical Abilities)
- SSC CHSL Tier 1 (Quantitative Aptitude)
Worked examples
Example 2
A father is 4 times as old as his son. 10 years from now, the sum of their ages will be 50 years. What is the son's present age?
Answer: B) 6 years
Let son = x, father = 4x. 5x + 20 = 50, so x = 6.
Example 3
A father is 3 times as old as his son. 5 years from now, the sum of their ages will be 46 years. What is the son's present age?
Answer: C) 9 years
Let son = x, father = 3x. 4x + 10 = 46, so x = 9.
Frequently asked questions
What is Problems on Ages in competitive exams?
Problems on ages turn statements like "the father is 3 times as old" into equations. The age difference between two people never changes.
Which exams ask Problems on Ages questions?
On MockBazaar, Problems on Ages questions appear in IBPS Clerk Prelims, IBPS PO Prelims, RRB Group D, RRB NTPC CBT 1, SBI Clerk Prelims, SBI PO Prelims, SSC CGL Tier 1, SSC CGL Tier 2, SSC CHSL Tier 1.
What is the most common mistake in Problems on Ages?
Adding the years to only one person.