Question 110811
John can complete a paper route in 20 minutes. Steve can complete the same route in 30 minutes. How long will it take to complete the route if they worked together?
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John DATA:
Time = 20 min/job ; Rate = 1/20 job/min
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Steve DATA:
Time = 30 min/job ; Rate = 1/30 job/min
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Together DATA:
Time = x min/job ; Rate = 1/x job/min
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EQUATION:
rate + rate = together rate
1/20 + 1/30 = 1/x
(30+20)/600 = 1/x
50/600
5/60 = 1/x 
x = 60/5 = 12 minutes (time for this to do the job together)
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Cheers,
Stan H.