The ages of father and son are in the ratio of 12:7. Four years from now, their ages will be in the ratio of 5:3. Find the sum of their present ages.
152 years
Let father's and son's present ages be 12k and 7k.
Four years from now: \(\dfrac{12k+4}{7k+4} = \dfrac53 \Rightarrow 3(12k+4)=5(7k+4) \Rightarrow 36k+12=35k+20 \Rightarrow k=8\).
Present ages: father \(96\), son \(56\). Sum: \(96+56 = 152\).
Hence, the sum of their present ages is 152 years.