SOLUTION: In 2 minutes, a conveyor belt moves 200 pounds of aluminum cans to a storage area. A smaller belt moves the same amount in 5 minutes. If both belts are used, how long does it take

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Question 408163: In 2 minutes, a conveyor belt moves 200 pounds of aluminum cans to a storage area. A smaller belt moves the same amount in 5 minutes. If both belts are used, how long does it take the cans to move?
Found 2 solutions by katealdridge, ewatrrr:
Answer by katealdridge(100) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
200 pounds per 2 minutes = 200/2 = 100 pounds/minute
200 pounds per 5 minutes = 200/5 = 40 pounds/minute
So if they work together, then every minute 100+40 pounds will be moved.
140 pounds/minute

Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi

Let x represent the time in minutes using both

Question states*** per minute being the Equalizer

  1/2 + 1/5 = 1/x |multiplying thru by 10x so as all denominators= 1

   5x + 2x = 10

    7x = 10

     x = 10/7 OR  1 3/7 minutes, the time in minutes using both belts