SOLUTION: Computer A can process a megabyte of data in 15 seconds less time than computer B. Working together computers A and B can process a megabyte of data in 18 seconds. How long does it

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Computer A can process a megabyte of data in 15 seconds less time than computer B. Working together computers A and B can process a megabyte of data in 18 seconds. How long does it      Log On


   

Question 970089: Computer A can process a megabyte of data in 15 seconds less time than computer B. Working together computers A and B can process a megabyte of data in 18 seconds. How long does it take each Computer to process a megabyte of data?
Answer by lwsshak3(11628) About Me  (Show Source):
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Computer A can process a megabyte of data in 15 seconds less time than computer B. Working together computers A and B can process a megabyte of data in 18 seconds. How long does it take each Computer to process a megabyte of data?
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let x=time computer B can process a megabyte of data
1/x=its work rate
x-15=time computer A can process a megabyte of data
1/(x-15)=its work rate
18=time computer A and B working together can process a megabyte of data
1/18=its work rate
..
sum of indv. work rates=work rate working together
1%2Fx%2B1%2F%28x-15%29=1%2F18
lcd:18x(x-15)
18(x-15)+18x=x(x-15)
18x-270+18x=x^2-15x
x^2-51x+270=0
(x-6)(x-45)=0
x=45
x-15=30
time computer B can process a megabyte of data=45 sec
time computer A can process a megabyte of data=30 sec