Manjit is 2 years elder to his friend Ranjit. Manjit’s father is twice as old as Manjit and Ranjit is twice as old as his sister. The ages of Manjit’s father and Ranjit’s sister differ by 43 years. The ages of Manjit and Ranjit, respectively, are:
- AOption (a)
38 and 36
- BOption (b)
28 and 26
- COption (c)
26 and 24
- DOption (d)
36 and 34
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Correct answer
28 and 26
Why this answer is correct
Shortcut Trick
From the options, check the difference of 2 years between Manjit and Ranjit.
Using Option (2): Manjit = 28, Ranjit = 26.
Father = 2 × 28 = 56; Sister = 26 ÷ 2 = 13.
Difference = 56 − 13 = 43. This matches the condition perfectly.
∴ The correct answer is 28 and 26.
Alternate Method
Let Ranjit's age be x years.
Given:
⇒ Manjit's age = x + 2
⇒ Father's age = 2 × (x + 2) = 2x + 4
⇒ Sister's age = x ÷ 2
⇒ (2x + 4) − (x ÷ 2) = 43
⇒ 4x + 8 − x = 86
⇒ 3x = 78
⇒ x = 26 (Ranjit)
⇒ x + 2 = 28 (Manjit)
∴ The correct answer is 28 and 26.
Additional Information
Linear Equations in Ages
Problems involving ages are solved by translating verbal statements into algebraic equations, usually maintaining a constant difference between individuals over time.
Ratio Method
If the ratio of ages is given for two different time periods, use the concept that the age difference remains constant to find the multiplier.




