Question 1022886
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1. How many inmates are needed to finish washing 600 dishes in an hour if it takes three inmates 
to wash five dishes within a minute?
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The proportion is 


{{{600/(x*60)}}} = {{{5/(3*1)}}},


which says that the rate is the same in both situations  ( the rate measures in  {{{dishes/(inmate*minute)}}} ).


First simplify the proportion


{{{10/x}}} = {{{5/3}}},


then solve it for   x = {{{(10*3)/5}}} = 6.


<U>Answer</U>. &nbsp;6 &nbsp;inmates are needed.