SOLUTION: it takes an apprentice carpenter 2h longer to install a section of floor than it does a more experienced carpenter. After the carpenters work together for 2h. the experienced carpe

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: it takes an apprentice carpenter 2h longer to install a section of floor than it does a more experienced carpenter. After the carpenters work together for 2h. the experienced carpe      Log On


   

Question 973623: it takes an apprentice carpenter 2h longer to install a section of floor than it does a more experienced carpenter. After the carpenters work together for 2h. the experienced carpenter leaves for another job. It then takes the apprentice carpenter 2 h longer to complete the installation. How long would it take the apprentice, working alone, in install the floor
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This is arranged as a uniform rates exercise, so you would assume (maybe incorrect in actual practice) that each person works according to his own rate.

1 job is, install a floor.

Person_____________Rate, job per hour
Apprentice__________1%2F%28x%2B2%29
Experienced__________1%2Fx
Both together______1%2F%28x%2B2%29%2B1%2Fx

The process of these workers is both together for 2 hours, the apprentice alone for 2 more hours; and the job is finished.

RT=J for rate, time, job quantity. The sum of the work to be done will be 1 job.

%281%2F%28x%2B2%29%2B1%2Fx%29%2A2%2B%281%2F%28x%2B2%29%292=1.

Your algebra or arithmetic skills should be enough that you can solve the equation for x, which is the time for the experienced carpenter to do 1 job alone. You can then find x+2.