Question

P is three years younger than R but one year older than S. S is one year older than Q but 4 years younger than R. R is 15 years old. The age of Q is ________ years.

Hint:

Break down the given relationships step-by-step. Work backwards using known values to find unknowns. This helps simplify the problem and avoid mistakes.

Answer 1

Step 1: Use the given information about R's age.

We are told that R is 15 years old. So:
\[ R = 15 \]

Step 2: Find P's age.

P is three years younger than R:
\[ P = R - 3 = 15 - 3 = 12 \]

Step 3: Find S's age.

S is one year older than Q but 4 years younger than R. From the condition "S is 4 years younger than R":
\[ S = R - 4 = 15 - 4 = 11 \]

Step 4: Find Q's age.

S is one year older than Q:
\[ S = Q + 1 \quad \Rightarrow \quad Q = S - 1 = 11 - 1 = 10 \]

So, the age of Q is 10.