Math Problem Statement
For a certain bathtub, the cold water faucet can fill the tub in
7
minutes. The hot water faucet can fill the tub in
13
minutes. If both faucets are used together, how long will it take to fill the tub?
Solution
This is a classic problem involving rates of work. Let's approach this step-by-step.
Step 1: Determine the rate of each faucet
- The cold water faucet can fill the tub in 7 minutes, so its rate is:
- The hot water faucet can fill the tub in 13 minutes, so its rate is:
Step 2: Combine the rates
When both faucets are used together, the combined rate is the sum of their individual rates:
To add these fractions, first find a common denominator. The least common denominator (LCD) of 7 and 13 is . So:
Now, add the fractions:
Step 3: Find the time to fill the tub
The combined rate is of a tub per minute. To find the time required to fill 1 whole tub, take the reciprocal of the combined rate:
Conclusion:
It will take approximately 4.55 minutes to fill the tub when both faucets are used together.
Would you like more details or have any questions?
Here are 5 related questions to explore:
- How would the answer change if one faucet was faster than the other?
- What is the general formula for combining two work rates?
- How can this approach be extended to more than two faucets?
- What if one faucet could only partially fill the tub before being shut off?
- How would the rate change if the pressure in one faucet was reduced?
Tip: When combining rates, always remember to add the individual rates, then take the reciprocal to find the total time.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Rates of Work
Fractions
Reciprocals
Formulas
Combined Rate = Rate1 + Rate2
Time = 1 / (Combined Rate)
Theorems
Work Rate Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 7-9
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