Pipe A can fill an empty tank in $x$ hours. Pipe B takes $3$ hours longer than pipe A to fill th

Question

Pipe A can fill an empty tank in $x$ hours. Pipe B takes $3$ hours longer than pipe A to fill the same tank. When both pipes operate together, they fill the empty tank in $2$ hours. Assume constant filling rates and no leakage. Write the fraction of the tank filled in one hour by each pipe. Form and solve a quadratic equation to find the time each pipe takes when working alone. Explain why the equation $ x+(x+3)=2 $ does not model the situation correctly.

Accepted Answer

(a) Rates $1/x,\ 1/(x+3)$; (b) $x^2-x-6=0$; A takes $3\text{ h}$, B takes $6\text{ h}$; (c) Add rates, not times.

Quadratic Functions, Equations and Inequalities

Quadratic Functions, Equations and Inequalities

Solution:

Solution locked