Question 20
Maria and her older brother John share a birthday, which is today. When John was born, Maria’s age was one third of their mother’s age. Now Maria is half as old as their mother. Which statement about John’s present age is true?
Original source choices (retained):
A. One third of Maria’s age
B. 6 years
C. Half of Maria’s age
D. 10 years
E. None of the other four statements is correct
Source consistency task: retain and examine the original “older brother” wording. Derive the age relation, explain the contradiction, and identify the source-intended answer only after separately correcting the relationship.
Original source choices (retained):
A. One third of Maria’s age
B. 6 years
C. Half of Maria’s age
D. 10 years
E. None of the other four statements is correct
Source consistency task: retain and examine the original “older brother” wording. Derive the age relation, explain the contradiction, and identify the source-intended answer only after separately correcting the relationship.