Let the present age of the father be 'x' and that of the son be 'y'. Then x/y = 8/3∴ 3x = 8y Further, x + 12/y + 12 = 2/1 ∴ x + 12 = 2y + 24 ∴ x - 2y = 12 ......(ii)From eqn (i) and (ii), x = 48, y = 18 ∴ sum = 66 yrs.
This is a simple division series. Each number is divided by 5. Rule = (1st number / 5 = 2nd number) (2nd number / 5 = 3rd number)....Now, (1000 / 5 = 200), (200 / 5 = 40), (40 / 5 = 8)...So answer is a = 8.