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

Correct Answer: 10

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 \boxed{10}.