SOLUTION: Eric and Nathan together can do a piece of work in 3 days. If it takes Eric working alone 1 3/4 days longer than it does Nathan, in how many days can each do the work alone.

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: Eric and Nathan together can do a piece of work in 3 days. If it takes Eric working alone 1 3/4 days longer than it does Nathan, in how many days can each do the work alone.      Log On


   

Question 1115666: Eric and Nathan together can do a piece of work in 3 days. If it takes Eric working alone 1 3/4 days longer than it does Nathan, in how many days can each do the work alone.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
n, time for Nathan alone.

To start, the description forms this equation: 1%2F%28n%2B1%263%2F4%29%2B1%2Fn=1%2F3

1%2F%28n%2B7%2F4%29%2B1%2Fn=1%2F3

%284%2F4%29%281%2F%28n%2B7%2F4%29%29%2B1%2Fn=1%2F3

4%2F%284n%2B7%29%2B1%2Fn=1%2F3
3%2A4%2An%2B3%284n%2B7%29=n%284n%2B7%29
12n%2B12n%2B21=4n%5E2%2B7n
7n%2B21=4n%5E2
4n%5E2-7n-21=0-----work with this and pick the right value for n.
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n, about 3.328 days
(not yet checked to be sure)