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Mathematics

The sum of the ages of a father and his son is 45 years. Five years ago, the product of their ages (in years) was 124. Determine their present ages.

Quadratic Equations

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Answer

Let age of son be x years so father's age = (45 - x) years.

Five years ago age of,

son = x - 5

man = 45 - x - 5 = 40 - x

According to question,

⇒ (x - 5)(40 - x) = 124

⇒ 40x - x2 - 200 + 5x = 124

⇒ 45x - x2 - 200 - 124 = 0

⇒ x2 - 45x + 324 = 0

⇒ x2 - 36x - 9x + 324 = 0

⇒ x(x - 36) - 9(x - 36) = 0

⇒ (x - 9)(x - 36) = 0

⇒ x - 9 = 0 or x - 36 = 0

⇒ x = 9 or x = 36.

Father's age = 45 - x

Substituting x = 9 we get,

Father's age = 45 - x = 45 - 9 = 36

Substituting x = 36 we get,

Father's age = 45 - x = 45 - 36 = 9.

This is not possible as father's age cannot be less than son's age.

Hence, age of son = 9 years and that of father = 36 years.

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