Problema Solution
The Richardson family and the Anderson family each used their sprinklers last summer. The water output rate for the Richardson family's sprinkler was 40L per hour. The water output rate for the Anderson family's sprinkler was 15L per hour. The families used their sprinklers for a combined total of 50 hours, resulting in a total water output of 1500L. How long was each sprinkler used?
Answer provided by our tutors
Let
x = the number of hours that Richardson family used the sprinkler, x>0
y = the number of hours that Anderson family used the sprinkler, y>0
The families used their sprinklers for a combined total of 50 hours:
x + y = 50
resulting in a total water output of 1500 L:
40x + 15y = 1500
By solving the system of equation:
x + y = 50
40x + 15y = 1500
........
........
x = 30 hours
y = 20 hours
The Richardson family used the sprinkler for 30 hours.
The Anderson family used the sprinkler for 20 hours.