Question

the time, t, required to pick some apples varies directly with the number of bushels of apples to be picked, b, and inversely to the number of people picking apples, p, and t=1.5 h when b=4 and p=3. find b if t=1.8 h and p=5

Answer 1

t = kb/ p
1.5 = (k*4)/3
First find k.
Multiply both sides by 3
4.5 = 4k
divide both sides by 4
1.125 = k
t = 1.125b/p is the formula.

1.8 = 1.125*b/5
Multiply both sides by 5.
9 = 1.125*b
Divide both sides by 1.125
b = 8