document.write( "Question 370440: Two pipes can fill a tank in two hours it the first tank three hours longer than the second tank. How long would it take each pipe alone?\r
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Algebra.Com's Answer #264039 by ewatrrr(24785) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!


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document.write( "Hi,
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document.write( "Let x represent the time second tank would take alone.  
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document.write( "then the time the first tank to fill alone would be(x+3)
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document.write( "***Two pipes can fill a tank in two hours.  Per hour is the equalizer.
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document.write( "1/x + 1/(x+3) = 1/2hr
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document.write( "Mulitplying each term on both sides of the equation by 2x(x+3) so as all denominaotrs = 1
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document.write( "2(x+3) + 2x = x(x+3)
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document.write( "solving for x
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document.write( "2x + 6 + 2x = x^2 + 3x
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document.write( "x^2 -x -6 = 0
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document.write( "factoring
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document.write( "(x-3)(x+1)= 0
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document.write( "(x-3)=0  x = 3, 
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document.write( "(x+1)= 0 x = -1  (cannot use)
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document.write( "3hr = time second tank would take alone, first tank 6hr alone
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document.write( "checking our answer
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document.write( "1/6 + 1/3 = 1/6 + 2/6 = 3/6 = 1/2 \n" );
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