ATQ, Let the ages of ‘Akhil’ and ‘Chintu’, 12 years hence from now be 2a years and ‘a’ years, respectively Therefore, present age of ‘Chintu’ = (a – 12) years Present age of ‘Akhil’ = (2a – 12) years Therefore, present age of ‘Bittu’ = 1.25(2a – 12) years According to the question, 1.25(2a – 12) + 2a – 12 + a – 12 = 42 × 3 Or, 5.5a – 39 = 126 Or, 5.5a = 165 Or, a = 30 Therefore, present age of ‘Akhil’ = 2a – 12 = 48 years Present age of ‘Bittu’ = 1.25 × 48 = 60 years Required difference = 60 – 48 = 12 years