The sum of the reciprocals of Rehman’s ages, (in years) 3 years ago and 5 years from now is
Find his present age.
Let the present age of Rehman be x years.
Three years ago, his age was (x − 3) years.
Five years hence, his age will be (x + 5) years.
It is given that the sum of the reciprocals of Rehman’s ages 3 years
ago and 5 years from now is 
.
∴ 
= 
= 
= 3(2x+2) = (x-3)(x+5)
= 6x+6 = x2 +2x – 15
= x2 – 4x -21 = 0
= x2 – 7x +3x – 21 = 0
= x(x-7) +3(x-7) = 0
= x = 7, -3
However, age cannot be negative.
Therefore, Rehman’s present age is 7 years.
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