The ages of Neha and her brother are in the ratio $5 : 4$. Their mother is 26 years older than Neha. Three years from now, the mother's age will be 11 years more than the combined age of her two children then. What is the mother's present age?

Explanation

1. 01

   Neha = $5k$, brother = $4k$, mother = $5k + 26$.

2. 02

   In 3 years: mother = $5k + 29$; children together = $9k + 6$.

3. 03

   $5k + 29 = 9k + 6 + 11$, so $4k = 12$ and $k = 3$.

4. 04

   Neha 15, brother 12, mother $15 + 26 = 41$ years.