SOLUTION: if one custodian cleans a suite of offices in 3 hours. when a second worker is asked to join the regular custodian, the job takes only 1 1/2 hours. how long does it take the second

Question 953546: if one custodian cleans a suite of offices in 3 hours. when a second worker is asked to join the regular custodian, the job takes only 1 1/2 hours. how long does it take the second worker to do the same job alone?
Answer by ptaylor(2198) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x=amount of time it takes the second worker working alone
Second worker works at the rate of 1/x of the suite per hour
Custodian works at the rate of 1/3 of the suite per hour
Custodian and second worker together works at the rate of 1/(1.5)=2/3 of the suite per hour
sooooo
1/x + 1/3 = 2/3 multiply each term by 3x
3+x=2x
x=3 hours----time it takes second worker working alone
Hope this helps----ptaylor
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