This guide explains a topic and a method for reading related news. It does not report a newly announced event. Check the issuing authority for current facts.
01 / UNDERSTANDING
Reading the news
Demographic comparisons require a clear reference date. Use that habit in age exercises: a ratio or average reported for one date should not silently be treated as a figure for another.
02 / UNDERSTANDING
The concept in context
Use the original wording to verify the answer after solving. Past ages should not become negative unless the question explicitly describes an abstract model outside ordinary ages. Ratios must refer to the same stated time, and a future ratio cannot be applied directly to present ages without the required time shift.
03 / UNDERSTANDING
A worked learning case
Original educational case. In an original example, a parent is 40 and a child 10 today, giving a 4:1 ratio and a 30-year difference. Ten years later they are 50 and 20, giving a 2.5:1 ratio while the difference remains 30. The fixed difference provides a check even though the ratio changes.
ORIGINAL EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE
Try it before you check.
Original practice: A is 24 and B is 12 now. What will their age ratio be after 6 years?
Show the answer and reasoning
5:3.
Add six years to both ages to obtain 30 and 18. Their future ratio is 30:18, which simplifies to 5:3. The present ratio of 2:1 cannot be carried forward unchanged. The difference remains twelve years, confirming that the time shift has been applied consistently to both people.
Two traps to watch for.
- Keeping the present age ratio fixed in future years.
- Adding the time shift to only one person.
YOUR TOPIC-SPECIFIC LEARNING MAP
Evidence to check
Define present ages explicitly.
Create a common-time equation.
Verify ages in every original condition.
Explain the idea, apply it to a new situation, then check what changed in your reasoning.
BANKERS TUTORIAL · SOURCE NOTES
Keep the source alongside your notes.
Official links provide subject context and authoritative reference material. This guide’s explanation, scenario and question are original Bankers Tutorial learning content.
- www.ibps.in https://www.ibps.in/
- www.ibps.in https://www.ibps.in/index.php/faq/
For IBPS & RRB preparation, check the current official notice before relying on changing dates, rules or examination requirements.
