Final answer:
Using algebra, it is determined that the smaller pipe can fill the tank in 18 hours while the larger pipe, being twice as fast, can fill it in 9 hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about two pipes filling a tank, with one being twice as fast as the other. It is mentioned that together they can fill the tank in 6 hours. To find out how long each pipe would take to fill the tank separately, we first need to establish a rate for each pipe. Let's denote the smaller pipe's filling rate as 1/x tanks per hour. Therefore, the larger pipe, being twice as fast, has a filling rate of 1/(x/2) or 2/x tanks per hour. Combining their filling rates, we get 1/x + 2/x = 3/x, which fills the tank in 6 hours.
Thus, 3/x = 1/6, and solving for x gives us x = 18. This means the smaller pipe fills the tank in 18 hours. Consequently, the larger pipe, being twice as fast, would fill the tank in 18/2 = 9 hours.