Problema Solution
An experienced accountant can balance the books twice as fast as a new accountant. Working together it takes the accountants 6 hours. How long would it take the experienced accountant working alone?
Answer provided by our tutors
Let the number of hours it takes the new accountant to finish equal x. Then the number of hours it takes the experienced accountant is twice as fast as x, or half of x (1/2x).
The time it takes them together is 6 hours, so set the sum equal to 6. Solve for x.
x + 1/2x = 6
3/2x = 6
x = 4 This is how many hours it takes the new accountant.
It takes the experienced accountant 1/2x hours, or 1/2(4) hours, or 2 hours working alone.