2 painters can paint a room in 3 hours together. The less experienced painter takes 2 hours more to finish. How long does it take for the less experienced painter to paint the room individually?

Answer 1

1/3 = 1/x + 1/(x+2)

x^2+ 2x = 3(x+2) + 3x

x^2 -4x -6=0

x = 4/2 +/- .5sqr(40)= 2+/-sqr10

slower guy takes 4+ sqr10 hours