Five years ago, Meera was three times as old as her niece, Kavya. Seven years from now, Meera will be twice as old as Kavya. What is Meera’s current age (in years)?

Solution

Let Meera’s present age = M years
Let Kavya’s present age =  K years

Condition 1

Five years ago, Meera was three times Kavya’s age:

$M - 5 = 3(K - 5)$

$M - 5 = 3K - 15$

$M = 3K - 10$

Condition 2

Seven years from now, Meera will be twice Kavya’s age:

$M + 7 = 2(K + 7)$

$M + 7 = 2K + 14$

$M = 2K + 7$

Solve the equations

$3K - 10 = 2K + 7$

$K = 17$

Now substitute into $M = 2K + 7$:

$M = 2(17) + 7$

$M = 41$

Meera’s current age = 41 years

Correct option: 41