SOLUTION: . One pump can drain a pool in 12 minutes. When a second pump is also used, the pool only takes 3 minutes to drain. How long would it take the second pump to drain the pool if i

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: . One pump can drain a pool in 12 minutes. When a second pump is also used, the pool only takes 3 minutes to drain. How long would it take the second pump to drain the pool if i      Log On

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Question 688446: .
One pump can drain a pool in 12 minutes. When a second pump is also used, the pool only takes 3 minutes to drain. How long would it take the second pump to drain the pool if it were the only pump in use?

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1/12 + 1/t = 1/3

t/(12t) + 12/(12t) = 1/3

(t + 12)/(12t) = 1/3

3(t + 12) = 12t

3t + 36 = 12t

36 = 12t - 3t

36 = 9t

t = 36/9

t = 4

So if the second pump is only used, it will take 4 minutes.