SOLUTION: George can do a work in 60 days. George and Paul can do the same work in 20 days.How much time will Paul take to complete the same work if works alone?

Question 673715: George can do a work in 60 days. George and Paul can do the same work in 20 days.How much time will Paul take to complete the same work if works alone?
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20060) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
George can do a work in 60 days.

So George's rate is 1 job per 60 days or  = job(s)/day(s)

Let Paul do 1 job in x days, then Paul's rate is 1 job per x days or  = job(s)/day(s)

George and Paul can do the same work in 20 days.

So together they can do 1 job in 20 days, so their combined rate is 
1 job per 20 days or  = job(s)/day(s)

The equation comes from:

             +  =  

              +  = 

Multiply through by LCD of 60x

             x + 60 = 3x

                -2x = -60

                  x = 30

So Paul will take 30 days to complete the same work if he works alone.

Edwin

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