SOLUTION: Working together, Fred and Ned can assemble 500 gadgets in 3.5 hours. Working individually, it takes Fred two-thirds as much time as Ned to complete the job. How long does it take

Algebra ->  Length-and-distance -> SOLUTION: Working together, Fred and Ned can assemble 500 gadgets in 3.5 hours. Working individually, it takes Fred two-thirds as much time as Ned to complete the job. How long does it take       Log On


   

Question 1083166: Working together, Fred and Ned can assemble 500 gadgets in 3.5 hours. Working individually, it takes Fred two-thirds as much time as Ned to complete the job. How long does it take Ned?
Answer by Boreal(15235) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
takes Ned x hours
takes Fred (2/3)x hours
in 1 hour, Ned does 1/x
in 1 hour, Fred does 1/(2/3)x or 3x/2
together they do it in 3.5 hours
(3.5/x)+(7/2/(2x/3)=1=(3.5/x)+(21/4x)
multiply by 4x
14+21=4x
4x=35
x=8.75 hours Ned ANSWER
(2x/3)=5.83 hours Fred
In 3.5 hours, Ned does 0.4
In 3.5 hours, Fred does 0.6