Math Problem Statement

) A and B together can complete a piece of work in 4 days. If A alone can complete the same work in 12 days, in how many days can B alone complete that work?

Solution

Let's solve this problem step by step.

Step 1: Determine the work rates of A and B together.

  • A and B together can complete the work in 4 days.
  • So, their combined work rate is 14\frac{1}{4} of the work per day.

Step 2: Determine the work rate of A alone.

  • A alone can complete the work in 12 days.
  • So, A's work rate is 112\frac{1}{12} of the work per day.

Step 3: Determine the work rate of B alone.

  • Let B's work rate be 1x\frac{1}{x} of the work per day, where xx is the number of days B takes to complete the work alone.

Since A and B together complete 14\frac{1}{4} of the work per day: A’s rate+B’s rate=14\text{A's rate} + \text{B's rate} = \frac{1}{4} 112+1x=14\frac{1}{12} + \frac{1}{x} = \frac{1}{4}

Step 4: Solve for xx.

To solve for xx, first subtract 112\frac{1}{12} from both sides of the equation: 1x=14112\frac{1}{x} = \frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{12}

To subtract these fractions, find a common denominator (which is 12): 14=312\frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{12} 1x=312112=212=16\frac{1}{x} = \frac{3}{12} - \frac{1}{12} = \frac{2}{12} = \frac{1}{6}

Thus, x=6x = 6.

Final Answer:

B alone can complete the work in 6 days.

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. If A and B together can complete a task in 5 days, and B alone can do it in 15 days, how long would it take for A alone to complete it?
  2. If A, B, and C together can finish a job in 3 days, and A alone takes 6 days, while B takes 9 days, how long will C alone take to finish the job?
  3. If A takes twice as long as B to finish a job, and together they finish it in 8 days, how long will it take each to finish it individually?
  4. A can finish a job in 10 days, B can do the same job in 15 days, and C can do it in 20 days. How long will it take for all three to finish the job together?
  5. If A alone can finish a job in 7 days, and B alone can finish it in 5 days, but A starts the job and works for 2 days before B joins, how long will it take them to complete the job together?

Tip: When working with rates, it's often easier to express the work done as a fraction of the whole job, as this helps in understanding combined efforts.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rate of work
Linear equations

Formulas

-

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8