Four cousins were born 2 years apart, one after another. The sum of their present ages is 44 years. How old is the eldest?

Explanation

1. 01

   Let the youngest be $x$: ages $x, x + 2, x + 4, x + 6$.

2. 02

   $4x + 12 = 44$, so $x = 8$.

3. 03

   Eldest = $8 + 6 = 14$ years.