Question

a smart student could finish his homework in one hour. an even smarter student could do it in ten minutes. they decided to join forces and divide the work. how long would it take for them to finish the homework together.

Answer 1

8.5 minutes

Explanation:

Initial steps:

• Set this problem up as a fraction

• One hour = 60 minutes

• x = time when done together

Set the equation:

`(1)/(60) + (1)/(10) =(1)/(x)`

Steps to Solve:

• 1/60 + 6/60 = 7/60

`(7)/(60) = (1)/(x)`

Cross-multiply:

7x = 60

Divide both sides by seven to isolate the variable

60/7 = 8.5

Answer

Hence, it would take both students 8.5 minutes to finish the homework