Problema Solution
During a snowstorm it is important to keep the runways at an airport clear of snow. An old snow plow can clear a runway in 24 minutes and a newer one can clear it in 16 minutes. How long will it take the two plows together? Explain and show work.
Answer provided by our tutors
The rate of the old snow plow is: 1/24 runaways per min
The rate of the new snow plow is: 1/16 runaways per min
Let x represent the time they need to finish the job together.
The together rate is: 1/x runaways per min
1/24 + 1/16 = 1/x
........
........
x = 9.6 min
The two plows together will need 9.6 minutes to finish the job together.