Problema Solution
Two pipes can fill a tank in 45 minutes if both tanks are on. if only one tank is used it would take 35 minutes longer for the smaller pipe to fill the tank then the larger pipe. how long will it take for the smaller pip to fill up the tank ?
Answer provided by our tutors
let
x = the minutes the smaller pipe needs to fill up the tank
the rate of the smaller pipe is 1/x tanks per min
x - 35 = the minutes the larger pipe need to fill up the tank and x - 35>0 that is x>35
the rate of the larger pipe is 1/(x - 35) tanks per min
the together rate of the pipes is 1/45 tanks per min
1/x + 1/(x - 35) = 1/45
by solving we find
x = 110.78 min
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the smaller pipe will need 110.78 min to fill up the tank.