The sum of the reciprocals of Meena's ages (in years) 3 years ago and 5 year hence is `(1)/(3).` Find her present age.

Answer

7 years

Explanation

Let Meena's present age be x years. Then,
`(1)/((x-3))+(1)/((x+5))=(1)/(3)implies((x+5)+(x-3))/((x-3)(x+5))=(1)/(3)impliesx^(2)+2x-15=3(2x+2)`
`:." "x^(2)-4x-21=0.`