The present ages of three persons in proportions 4 : 7 : 9. Eight years ago, the sum of their ages was 56. Find their present ages (in years).

Let their present ages be 4x, 7x and 9x years respectively.

Then, (4x - 8) + (7x - 8) + (9x - 8) = 56

 20x = 80

 x = 4.

 Their present ages are 4x = 16 years, 7x = 28 years and 9x = 36 years respectively.