This is how I did it.
A:B = 1:2 (So A's age = x years and B's age = 2x years)
B:C = 2:3 (So B's age = 2x years and C's age = 3x years)
We're given that A and C's current average is 27.
So keeping their current ages in mind,
(x + 8 + 3x - 4)/2 = 27
4x + 4 = 54
4x = 50
x = 12.5
C's current age would be 3x.
So 3 x 12.5 = 37.5
So I marked D.
I might've gotten this one right but I have a feeling there's something wrong with my approach.
KarishmaB Bunuel would be great if you could add your two cents!
Bunuel
Eight years ago, the ratio of Alex's age to Brian's age was 1:2. In four years, the ratio of Brian's age to Charlie's age will be 2:3. If the average (arithmetic mean) of the current ages of Alex and Charlie is 27 years, what is the current age of Charlie? A. 16
B. 24
C. 30
D. 38
E. 42
Assuming the current ages of Alex, Brian, and Charlie are \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\), respectively, we are given:
\(\frac{a-8}{b-8} = \frac{1}{2}\), which simplifies to \(b = 2 a - 8\).
\(\frac{b+4}{c+4} = \frac{2}{3}\), which simplifies to \(2c = 3b + 4 \).
\(a + c = 2*27 = 54\)
Substituting the value of \(b\) from the first equation into the second equation gives:
\(2c = 3(2a - 8) + 4 \), which simplifies to \(c = 3a - 10\)
Now, substitute the value of \(a\) from the third equation into the above:
\(c = 3(54 - c) - 10\)
\(c =38\).
Answer: D
You should have spotted that your method is not correct because the answer is exactly 38, not 37.5, which already tells you something’s off.
Your method is incorrect because you're using the same multiplier x for two different ratios: one from 8 years ago (A:B) and another from 4 years in the future (B:C). These ratios are based on ages at different times, so using the same variable leads to a flawed setup. Review the official solution for the correct approach.