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    Question

    The ages of two siblings, John and Mary, are in the

    ratio of 5:3. Five years ago, the sum of their ages was 38 years. What are their current ages?
    A John: 25 years, Mary: 15 years Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B John: 30 years, Mary: 18 years Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C John: 35 years, Mary: 21 years Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D John: 40 years, Mary: 24 years Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    Let John’s current age be 5x years and Mary’s current age be 3x years. According to the problem, five years ago: John's age = 5x - 5 Mary's age = 3x - 5 The sum of their ages five years ago was 38 years: (5x - 5) + (3x - 5) = 38 Simplifying the equation: 5x - 5 + 3x - 5 = 38 8x - 10 = 38 8x = 48 x = 6 Now, substituting x back to find their ages: John's age = 5x = 5(6) = 30 years Mary's age = 3x = 3(6) = 18 years

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