SOLUTION: John can complete a paper route in 20 minutes. Steve can complete the same route in 30 minutes. How long will it take to complete the route if they worked together?

Question 110811This question is from textbook
: John can complete a paper route in 20 minutes. Steve can complete the same route in 30 minutes. How long will it take to complete the route if they worked together? This question is from textbook

Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
John can complete a paper route in 20 minutes. Steve can complete the same route in 30 minutes. How long will it take to complete the route if they worked together?
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John DATA:
Time = 20 min/job ; Rate = 1/20 job/min
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Steve DATA:
Time = 30 min/job ; Rate = 1/30 job/min
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Together DATA:
Time = x min/job ; Rate = 1/x job/min
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EQUATION:
rate + rate = together rate
1/20 + 1/30 = 1/x
(30+20)/600 = 1/x
50/600
5/60 = 1/x
x = 60/5 = 12 minutes (time for this to do the job together)
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Cheers,
Stan H.

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