SOLUTION: Two scientists are working on a special project. The experienced scientist can complete the project in 2 hours less than the other scientist. Together they were able to complete th

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Question 701993: Two scientists are working on a special project. The experienced scientist can complete the project in 2 hours less than the other scientist. Together they were able to complete the job in 2.4 hours. How long would it take the experienced scientist to do the job alone?
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
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Two scientists are working on a special project. The experienced scientist can complete the project in 2 hours less than the other scientist. Together they were able to complete the job in 2.4 hours. How long would it take the experienced scientist to do the job alone?
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Experienced rate: 1/(x-2) job/hr
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Less-experienced rate: 1/x job/hr
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Together rate: 1/2.4 job/hr
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Equation:
rate + rate = together rate
1/x + 1/(x-2) = 1/2.4
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2.4(x-2) + 2.4x = x(x-2)
2.4x - 4.8 + 2.4x = x^2-2x
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x^2 - 6.8x + 4.8 = 0
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Usable solution : x = 6
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Answer: x-2 = 4 hrs (Time for the experienced scientist)
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Cheers,
Stan H.