The rates of each working together are added
Two people = 1/4
One person = 1 / x + 2
The other person = 1 / x
Solve for x and you can find other person’s rate:
1 / x + 1 / x + 2 = 1 / 4
x = 3 + (sqrt17), 3 – (sqrt17)
x = 7.21
the other solution would be:
Let t be the time necessary by the 1st person to do the job alone
then
(t + 2) is the time required by the 2nd person alone
Let the completed job = 1
A classic work equation:
Each person will do a fraction of the job, the two fractions add up to 1
4/ t + 4 / t + 2 = 1
multiply by t(t+2), results
4(t+2) + 4t = t(t+2)
4t + 8 + 4t = t^2 + 2t
Arrange them as a quadratic equation
t^2 + 2t -8t - 8
t^2 -6t - 8 = 0
then use the quadratic equation, the answer will be 7.21.
It will take Katherine approximately 7 days working alone to plant the trees.