Question 59

Logical Reasoning Puzzles Hard

There are four brothers Alan, Bob, Carl and Dave. Dave is two years older than Bob. Bob is one year younger than Carl. Alan, who is 34, is two years younger than Carl. Who is the oldest?

(A) Alan
(B) Bob
(C) Carl
(D) Dave
View Dynamic Solution & Explanation
Correct Solution: Option D

Step-by-step Solution:

Quick Solution

The easiest way to solve this is to use the most direct piece of information—Alan's age—to find the age of each brother one by one.


Step-by-Step Age Calculation

  1. Find Carl's age: We are told, "Alan, who is 34, is two years younger than Carl."
    This means Carl must be two years older than Alan.
    Carl's Age = 34 + 2 = 36 years.
  2. Find Bob's age: Next, "Bob is one year younger than Carl."
    Bob's Age = 36 - 1 = 35 years.
  3. Find Dave's age: Finally, "Dave is two years older than Bob."
    Dave's Age = 35 + 2 = 37 years.


Comparing the Ages

Now we have the age of all four brothers:

  • Alan: 34
  • Bob: 35
  • Carl: 36
  • Dave: 37 (Oldest)


Final Answer: The oldest brother is Dave.