Question

The product of Ramu’s age (in years) five years ago and his age (in years) nine years later is 15. Determine Ramu’s present age.

Answer 1

Let the present age of Ramu be ‘a’ years. 

Given, product of Ramu’s age (in years) five years ago and his age (in years) nine years later is 15. 

⇒ (a – 5)(a + 9) = 15 

⇒ a² + 4a – 45 – 15 = 0 

⇒ a² + 10a – 6a – 60 = 0 

⇒ a(a + 10) – 6(a + 10) = 0 

⇒ (a – 6)(a + 10) = 0 

⇒ a = 6 years