The present ages of three persons in proportions 4 : 1 : 5. Eight years ago, the sum of their ages was 56. Find their present ages (in years).
Choices:
A) 8, 20, 28 B) 16, 28, 36 C) 16, 28, 35 D) 16, 28, 34 E) 32, 8, 40
Let their present ages be 4x, 1x and 5x years respectively.   Then, (4x - 8) + (1x - 8) + (5x - 8) = 56   10x = 80   x = 8.   Their present ages are 4x = 32 years, 1x = 8 years and 5x = 40 years respectively.   Answer:32, 8, 40
<result>E</result>
The present ages of three persons in proportions 4 : 1 : 5. Eight years ago, the sum of their ages was 56. Find their present ages (in years).