The sum of the reciprocals of Rehman’s ages (in years) 3 years ago and 5 years from now is 1/3. Find the present age.

Let Rehman’s present age be ‘a’.


Given, sum of the reciprocals of Rehman’s ages (in years) 3 years ago and 5 years from now is 1/3.


1/(a – 3) + 1/(a + 5) = 1/3


3(a – 3 + a + 5) = a2 + 2a – 15


a2 - 4a – 21 = 0


a2 – 7a + 3a – 21 = 0


a(a – 7) + 3(a – 7) = 0


(a + 3)(a – 7) = 0


a = 7


7