In 2002, Meenu's age was one-third of the age of Meera, whereas in 2010, Meenu's age was half the age of Meera. What is Meenu's year of birth ?

(a) 1992
(b) 1994 ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) 1996
(d) 1998

Why the answer is (b)

• Let Meenu be x years old in 2002; Meera is then 3x years old.

• In 2010 both are 8 years older, and Meenu is half Meera's age: x + 8 = ½ (3x + 8).

• So 2x + 16 = 3x + 8, giving x = 8.

• Meenu was 8 in 2002, so she was born in 2002 − 8 = 1994, option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1992: Born 1992, Meenu would be 10 and Meera 30 in 2002, but 18 and 38 in 2010, which is not half.
(c) 1996: Born 1996, Meenu would be 6 and Meera 18 in 2002, but 14 and 26 in 2010, which is not half.
(d) 1998: Born 1998, Meenu would be 4 and Meera 12 in 2002, but 12 and 20 in 2010, which is not half.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.