Question 943706

Michael is one-fourth as old as his father. Next year, their ages will total 42 years. How old is each now?
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Let Michael's current age be M
Then his father's is: 4M
Since their ages sum to 42 next year, then this year their ages sum to 40 (42 - 2)
Therefore, we get: M + 4M = 40
5M = 40
M, or Micheal's current age = {{{40/5}}}, or {{{highlight_green(8)}}}
Father's current age: 4(8), or {{{highlight_green(32)}}}