Question

The sum of ages of 5 children born at intervals of four years is 80. What is the age of the eldest child?

• A. 16
• B. 24
• C. 18
• D. 28

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 24

1. Define the variables:

• Let the age of the youngest child be x years.

• Since the children are born at intervals of four years, the ages of the other children will be x + 4, x + 8, x + 12, and x + 16.

2. Set up the equation:

• The sum of their ages is 80: x + (x + 4) + (x + 8) + (x + 12) + (x + 16) = 80

3. Solve the equation:

• 5x + 40 = 80

• 5x = 80 - 40

• 5x = 40

• x = 40 / 5

• x = 8

4. Calculate the age of the eldest child:

• Age of the eldest child = x + 16 = 8 + 16 = 24 years

Therefore, the age of the eldest child is 24 years.