Algebra Work Problem

Question

Maricris can type a committee report in 5 hours. Jane helped Maricris and together they finished the report in 3 hours. How long would it take Jane to finish the report she wanted alone?

Answer 1

x hours=Jane's rate

5 hours=Maricris's rate

Maricris does 1/5 of the job in one hour and Jane does 1/x of the job in one hour

(1/x)(3)+(1/5)(3)=1

(3/x)+(3/5)=1

multiply both sides by 5x

15+3x=5x

15=5x-3x

15=2x

x=7.5 hours is Jane's rate; it takes Jane 7.5 hours alone