john & jim finish a job in 2 hours together. It takes John 3 hours less the jim. find the number of hours for each to finish the job.

Question

I need help on setting up and solving this equation

Answer 1

2 people finish the job in 2 hours, so 2x2 gives you a total of 4 man hours.

 

Jim = X hours, John = X-3 hours

 

X+(X-3)=4

2X = 7

 

X = 3.5 (Jim)

X-3 = 0.5 (John)