Final answer:
The water output rate for the Thompson family's sprinkler is 15 liters per hour, and the Kim family's sprinkler is 20 liters per hour, calculated using a system of linear equations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is trying to determine the water output rate for two family sprinklers based on the total usage and a combined rate. To solve this, we can set up a system of linear equations. Let's define T as the rate of the Thompson family's sprinkler in liters per hour and K as the rate of the Kim family's sprinkler, also in liters per hour.
We are given that T + K = 35 liters per hour and that the Thompson's sprinkler has been used for 25 hours and the Kim's for 35 hours, resulting in a combined total of 1075 liters. Thus, we have the equations:
- 25T + 35K = 1075
- T + K = 35
From the second equation, we can express T as T = 35 - K. Substituting this into the first equation:
25(35 - K) + 35K = 1075
Solving for K, we find that:
875 - 25K + 35K = 1075
10K = 200
K = 20 liters per hour
Thus, T = 35 - K = 35 - 20 = 15 liters per hour.
Therefore, the Thompson family's sprinkler has a rate of 15 liters per hour and the Kim family's sprinkler has a rate of 20 liters per hour.