<PRE><B>Question 1020998</B>
one custodian cleans a suite in 4 hours.
when a second custodian is asked to join the job only takes only 2 2/3 hours.
 how long does it take the second worker to do the job alone?
:
let x = time for the 2nd worker to do the job alone
;
The shared work equation when the completed job = 1
{{{(8/3)/4}}} + {{{(8/3)/x}}} = 1
multiply equation by 4x. cancel the denominators
{{{(8x)/3}}} + {{{(4*8/3)}}} = 4x
{{{(8x)/3}}} + {{{(32/3)}}} = 4x
multiply equation by 3
8x + 32 = 12x
32 = 12x - 8x
32 = 4x
x = 32/4
x = 8 hrs for the the 2nd guy to do it alone
:
:
You invert a fraction when it becomes the divisor, not necessary in this problem

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