Suppose the present ages of A & B to be ‘a’ & ‘b’ respectively. Hence, 2 years ago, their ages must have been (a–2) & (b–2) respectively. Average of their ages at that time = 26 So, [(a – 2) + (b – 2)]/2 = 26 (a – 2) + (b – 2) = 52 a + b = 56 Age of A, 5 year hence = 40 years Hence, (a + 5) = 40 a = 35 years Hence, b = 56 – 35 = 21 years B = (C – 5) Hence, C = 21 + 5 = 26 years Age difference between A & C = 35 – 26 = 9 years