What's the best way to master Simple Difference quickly?

Master Simple Difference by understanding the core concepts first, practicing regularly with our worksheets, and applying the shortcut techniques provided.

Simple Difference

Simple Difference problems present a direct relationship where one person's age is given and the age difference between two persons is stated. These problems require basic arithmetic to find the other person's age.

10Worksheets

200+Practice Questions

BeginnerDifficulty

0.5-1 hourHours to Master

What You'll Learn

Introduction & Overview Why This Matters How to Solve Pro Tips & Tricks

Shortcut Methods Common Mistakes Practice Worksheets Exam Importance

Introduction to Simple Difference

Prerequisites

Basic addition and subtraction Understanding of 'older than' and 'younger than' Simple arithmetic

Why This Matters: Simple Difference forms the foundation of all age problems. You can expect 1-2 questions in prelims of SSC CGL, Banking PO, and Railways RRB exams.

How to Solve Simple Difference Problems

Step 1: Identify who is older and who is younger from the problem statement

Step 2: Note the given age of one person

Step 3: Note the age difference between the two persons

Step 4: If the unknown person is older, add the difference to the known age

Step 5: If the unknown person is younger, subtract the difference from the known age

Step 6: Verify that the calculated age is positive and reasonable

Step 7: Answer the specific question asked

Pro Strategy: Always identify the older person first. When in doubt, draw a simple number line with ages to visualize who is greater.

Example Problem

Example: A is 8 years older than B. If B is 25 years old, how old is A? Solution: Step 1: A is older than B Step 2: B's age = 25 years Step 3: Age difference = 8 years (A is older) Step 4: A's age = B's age + difference = 25 + 8 = 33 years Answer: A is 33 years old Example 2: A is 5 years younger than B. If A is 20 years old, find B's age. Solution: B is older, so B = A + 5 = 20 + 5 = 25 years

Pro Tips & Tricks

If 'older than' or 'more than' is mentioned, add the difference
If 'younger than', 'less than', or 'junior' is mentioned, subtract the difference
The older person always has the larger numerical age
Age difference remains constant over time (but not used in this basic type)
Check if ages make biological sense (parent usually 20+ years older than child)
Write the relationship as a simple equation: A = B ± d

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

Older = Known + Difference

Younger = Known - Difference

Difference = |Age1 - Age2|

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding instead of subtracting when finding younger person's age

Confusing who is older when multiple relationships are given

Forgetting that age cannot be negative or zero

Miscalculating when difference is given in words like 'twice' (use ratio instead)

Practice Worksheets

Practice makes perfect! Work through these worksheets to master Simple Difference. Each worksheet contains 20 questions with detailed explanations. Start from Worksheet 1 and progress through increasing difficulty levels.

Worksheet 1 Beginner Beginner level - Perfect for building foundational understanding

Worksheet 2 Beginner Beginner level - Perfect for building foundational understanding

Worksheet 3 Beginner Beginner level - Perfect for building foundational understanding

Worksheet 4 Intermediate Intermediate level - Test your understanding with moderate difficulty

Worksheet 5 Intermediate Intermediate level - Test your understanding with moderate difficulty

Worksheet 6 Intermediate Intermediate level - Test your understanding with moderate difficulty

Worksheet 7 Advanced Advanced level - Challenge yourself with complex problems

Worksheet 8 Advanced Advanced level - Challenge yourself with complex problems

Worksheet 9 Advanced Advanced level - Challenge yourself with complex problems

Worksheet 10 Advanced Advanced level - Challenge yourself with complex problems