Question

The ages of Fred, Maryam, Kevin and Lydia

add up to 60 years.
The ratio of Fred's age to Maryam's age to
Kevin's age to Lydia's age is 4:6:7:3.
How many years old is Maryam?

Answer 1

Let's assume

• Fred's age = 4x
• Maryam's age = 6x
• Kevin's age = 7x
• Lydia's age = 3x

From the question the ages of the Fred, Maryam, Kevin and Lydia add up to 60 years

Fred's age + Maryam's age + Kevin's age + Lydia's age = 60

=> 4x + 6x + 7x + 3x = 60

=> 10x + 7x + 3x = 60

=> 17x + 3x = 60

=> 20x = 60

=> x = 60/20

=> x = 3

We have assumed Maryam's age = 6x

=> 6 × 3

=> 18

Answer: Maryam is 18 years old

Answer 2

Maryam is 18

Explanation:

sum the parts of the ratio , 4 + 6 + 7 + 3 = 20 parts

divide the sum of their ages to find the value of one part of the ratio.

60 years ÷ 20 = 3 years ← value of 1 part of the ratio

Naryam accounts for 6 parts, then

Maryam's age = 6 × 3 = 18