Question 1198027
<br>
Here is an alternative to the standard algebraic solution shown by one of the other tutors, and without using the shortcut shown by the other tutor.<br>
Consider the least common multiple of the two given times, which is 24 hours.<br>
In 24 hours, Joe could paint 24/6 = 4 of these houses; in 24 hours Sam could paint 24/8 = 3 of them.  So in 24 hours the two together could paint 4+3 = 7 houses.<br>
That means the number of hours it would take the two of them to paint the one house is 24/7.<br>
ANSWER: 24/7 hours<br>