The ratio of ages of A and B is 3 : 11. After 3 years the ratio becomes 1:3. What are the ages of A and B?

Let us assume the ages of A and B be 3x and 11x years; then After 3 years the ages of A and B will be 3x + 3 and 11x + 3. According to question, After 3 years the ratio of the ages becomes 1: 3, (3x + 3)/(11x + 3) = 1/3 ⇒ 3 (3x + 3) = 1 (11x + 3) ⇒ 9x + 9 = 11x + 3 ⇒ 2x = 6 ∴ x = 3 Hence, their present age, 3x = 3 x 3 = 9 years; 11x = 11 x 3 =33 years