document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=1197406>Question 1197406</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> SETTING UP AND SOLVING DIRECT AND INVERSE PROPORTIONS<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Two sump pumps working at the same rate to drain a flooded basement in 5 1/2 hours. How long would it have taken 3 pumps working at the same rate to drain the basement? I think it is an inverse proportion and I put 2 over 3 = 5 1/2 over x  multiplied and got 2x=16 1/2 divided and got 8 1/4. But it is supposed to take less time not more. </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #830666 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=greenestamps><B>greenestamps(13203)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=greenestamps><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/cgi-bin/show-face.mpl?user=greenestamps><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=830666\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> <br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "Since the beginning of your post says \"SETTING UP AND SOLVING DIRECT AND INVERSE PROPORTIONS\", perhaps the response you were looking for should do that.  None of the other responses did that.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "This is clearly inverse proportion: more pumps means less time.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "The ratio of the number of pumps is 3:2, so the ratio of times should be 2:3.  So multiply the given time of 5 1/2 hours by 2/3.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "(5 1/2)*(2/3) = (11/2)(2/3) = 11/3<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "ANSWER: 11/3 hours<br><BR>\n" );
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