document.write( "Question 587628: Jerry works 3 hours faster than David. Together they complete 5 jobs in 18 hours. How long does it take Jerry alone?\r
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document.write( "jerry = x
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document.write( "dave = x+3\r
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document.write( "1/x * 18 + (1/x+3) * 18 = 5\r
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document.write( "I think....but it just doesn't work how I think it should. I appreciate your help. \n" );
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Algebra.Com's Answer #374166 by nerdybill(7384)![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! Yes, you have it right. \n" ); document.write( "1/x * 18 + (1/x+3) * 18 = 5 \n" ); document.write( "18/x + 18/(x+3) = 5 \n" ); document.write( "multiplying both sides by (x)(x+3): \n" ); document.write( "18(x+3) + 18x = 5(x)(x+3) \n" ); document.write( "18x+54 + 18x = 5(x^2+3x) \n" ); document.write( "36x+54 = 5x^2+15x \n" ); document.write( "54 = 5x^2-21x \n" ); document.write( "0 = 5x^2-21x-54 \n" ); document.write( "0 = 5x^2-30x+9x-54 \n" ); document.write( "0 = (5x^2-30x) + (9x-54) \n" ); document.write( "0 = 5x(x-6) + 9(x-6) \n" ); document.write( "0 = (x-6)(5x+9) \n" ); document.write( "x = {-9/5, 6} \n" ); document.write( "throw out the negative solution (extraneous) leaving: \n" ); document.write( "x = 6 hours\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " |