This is an independent topic guide, not the official syllabus. Compare it with the current paper outline and rules published by the examination authority.
01 / UNDERSTANDING
Learning objectives
Cover present-age variables, shared time shifts, constant differences and changing ratios. The objective is accurate translation from a timeline into equations and then back into the original statements.
02 / UNDERSTANDING
The concept in context
Age problems compare people at specific times. Define present ages first, then add or subtract the same number of years for everyone when moving along the timeline. Age differences stay constant, while age ratios usually change. Confusing those two facts is a common reason an apparently plausible solution fails a later condition.
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
Your revision map
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.
