SOLUTION: An experienced bricklayer can construct a small wall in 3 hours. If him and his apprentice can complete the job together in 2 hours, how long does it take his apprentice to build t

Algebra ->  Rate-of-work-word-problems -> SOLUTION: An experienced bricklayer can construct a small wall in 3 hours. If him and his apprentice can complete the job together in 2 hours, how long does it take his apprentice to build t      Log On


   

Question 959804: An experienced bricklayer can construct a small wall in 3 hours. If him and his apprentice can complete the job together in 2 hours, how long does it take his apprentice to build the same wall by himself?
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Answer by lwsshak3(11628) About Me  (Show Source):
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An experienced bricklayer can construct a small wall in 3 hours. If him and his apprentice can complete the job together in 2 hours, how long does it take his apprentice to build the same wall by himself?
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An experienced bricklayer can construct a small wall in 3 hours.
so his work rate=1/3
His apprentice can construct a small wall in x hours.
so his work rate=1/x
together they can complete the job in 2 hours
so their work rate=1/2
..
sum of indv work rates=work rate working together
1/3+1/x=1/2
1/x=1/2-1/3=3/6-2/6=1/6
x=6
how long does it take his apprentice to build the same wall by himself? 6 hrs