After 4 years, the ratio of the ages of Pankaj and Niraj will be 5 : 3 and 2 years ago, the ratio of their ages was 17 : 9. What is the ratio of their present ages?

Given:

After 4 years the ratio of ages of Pankaj and Niraj is 5 : 3

2 years ago the ratio of ages of Pankaj and Niraj is 17 : 9

Calculation:

After 4 years the ratio of ages of Pankaj and Niraj = 5 : 3 

Let the present age of Pankaj = 5x - 4

Present age of Niraj = 3x - 4 

According to the question,

The ratio of their ages 2 years ago = 17 : 9

⇒ (5x - 4 - 2) : (3x - 4 - 2) = 17 : 9

⇒ (5x - 6)/(3x - 6) = 17/9

⇒ 45x - 54 = 51x - 102

⇒ 6x = 48

⇒ x = 8

So present age of Pankaj = (5x - 4) ⇒ (40 - 4) ⇒ 36

And present age of Niraj = (3x - 4) ⇒ (24 - 4) ⇒ 20 

Ratio of present ages of Pankaj and Niraj = 36 : 20 ⇒ 9 : 5

∴ The ratio of present age of Pankaj and Niraj is 9 : 5.