SOLUTION: Two mechanics, Bonita Rich and Pamela Pearson, take 5 hours to re-build an engine when they work together. If each worked alone, Bonita, the more experienced mechanic could complet

Algebra ->  Radicals -> SOLUTION: Two mechanics, Bonita Rich and Pamela Pearson, take 5 hours to re-build an engine when they work together. If each worked alone, Bonita, the more experienced mechanic could complet      Log On


   

Question 1102183: Two mechanics, Bonita Rich and Pamela Pearson, take 5 hours to re-build an engine when they work together. If each worked alone, Bonita, the more experienced mechanic could complete the job 3 hours faster than Pamela. How long would it take each of them to re-build the engine working alone?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x for Bonita
x+3 for Pamela

1%2Fx%2B1%2F%28x%2B3%29=1%2F5
-
%28x%2B3%29%2F%28x%28x%2B3%29%29%2Bx%2F%28x%28x%2B3%29%29=1%2F5
%28x%2B3%2Bx%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B3x%29=1%2F5
2x%2B3=%28x%5E2%2B3x%29%2F5
10x%2B15=x%5E2%2B3x
x%5E2-7x-15=0
-
x=%287%2Bsqrt%28109%29%29%2F2
8.72 hours for Bonita, and 11.72 hours for Pamela