SOLUTION: If one copier can copy the dissertation in 12 minutes and the other copier can do it in 8 minues, how many minutes would it take if they were working togeather?

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Question 473257: If one copier can copy the dissertation in 12 minutes and the other copier can do it in 8 minues, how many minutes would it take if they were working togeather?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Rate of first copier: 1/12 of a dissertation per minute

Rate of second copier: 1/8 of a dissertation per minute


Combined rate: 1/12+1/8 = 5/24 of a dissertation per minute



Now use the formula: Rate*Time = 1, where 1 refers to ONE job completed


Rate*Time = 1

(5/24)*t = 1

5t = 24

t = 24/5

t = 4 4/5


So it will take 4 4/5 minutes, which is about 4 minutes and 48 seconds, if they work together.