Question

Sharon celebrated her ${16^{th}}$ birthday $x$ years ago. How old would she be in $z$ years’ time?
A. $x - 16 + z$
B. $16 + x - z$
C. $16 + x + z$
D. $16 - x + z$

Answer 1

Hint:The above question is an easy and general problem. For solving such types of questions, we have to assume some variables that will suit our needs. Then, we just have to apply some basic algebraic formulas. But we should always keep in mind that these are real life problems. So, a person’s age in future will obviously be more than the age in the past.

Complete step by step answer:
Here in this question, we are given that Sharon celebrated her ${16^{th}}$ birthday $x$ years ago. We have to find out how old she will be in $z$ years’ time.Since, Sharon celebrated her ${16^{th}}$ birthday $x$ years ago. So,let us assume that the age of Sharon is $x$ years.Therefore, her present age is $16 + x$ years.

According to the question, we have to find her age after $z$ years.After $z$ years her age will be $z$ more than her present age that is,
(Present age) + ($z$) years ----(1)
We already found out her present age which is $16 + x$ years. Using the same in equation (1) we get,
$16 + x + z$ years
Hence, her age after $z$ years’ time will be $16 + x + z$ years.

Therefore, Option (C) is correct.

Note:In such types of questions, we can assume any number as age depending on our comfort. Instead of using $x$ and $y$, we can also use $a$ and $b$. Next, we just have to follow the steps with our assumed numbers. There won’t be any effect in the answer.Different variables are assumed just for simplicity.