SOLUTION: Pipe A can fill a tank in 8 hours. When both A and pipe B are used th tank is filled in 5 hours. How long,in hours,would it take pipe B alone to fill the tank?

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Question 136883: Pipe A can fill a tank in 8 hours. When both A and pipe B are used th tank is filled in 5 hours. How long,in hours,would it take pipe B alone to fill the tank?
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
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Pipe A can fill a tank in 8 hours. When both A and pipe B are used th tank is filled in 5 hours. How long,in hours,would it take pipe B alone to fill the tank?
:
Let x = time required for pipe B to fill the tank alone
:
Let the full tank = 1
;
5%2F8 + 5%2Fx = 1
:
Multiply equation by 8x to get rid of the denominators:
8x*5%2F8 + 8x*5%2Fx = 8x(1)
cancel the denominators and you have:
5x + 8(5) = 8x
5x + 40 = 8x
40 = 8x - 5x
3x = 40
x = 40%2F3
x = 131%2F3 hrs, pipe B alone
:
:
Check solution using x = 13.333
5%2F8 + 5%2F13.33 = 1
.625 + .375 = 1; confirms our solution