Problema Solution

Smith engineering is in the process of reviewing the process of their surveyors. During this review the company found that an experienced surveyor can survey the roadbed in 4 hours. An apprentice surveyor needs 9 hours to survey the same stretch of road. If the two work together, find out how long it takes them to complete the job.

Answer provided by our tutors

an experienced surveyor can survey the roadbed in 4 hours thus his rate is 1/4 roadbeds per hour


an apprentice surveyor needs 9 hours to survey the same stretch of road thus his rate is 1/9 roadbeds per hour


let x = the hours the need to complete the job together


the together rate is 1/x roadbeds per hour


if they work together we have:


1/4 + 1/9 = 1/x


by solving we find:


x = 36/13 hr


x = 2 10/13 hr


x = 2 hr (10*60)/13 min


x = 2 hr 46 min


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it takes them 2 hour and 46 minutes to complete the job together.