Question

a tap can fill a bucket in 2 minutes, another in 3 minutes. If both are turned on how long does it take to fill the bucket?

Answer 1

It takes 1 minute 12 seconds to fill the bucket if both taps are turned on.

Explanation:

1. One tap fills the bucket in 2 minutes, thus fills 1/2 of the bucket in one minute.
2. Other tap fills the bucket in 3 minutes, thus fills 1/3 of the bucket in one minute.
3. Both together fill 1/2+1/3=5/6 of the bucket in one minute.
4. If they can fill 5/6 of the bucket in 1 minute, they fill 1/6 of the bucket in 1/5 minute.
5. They can fill the bucket (6/6) in 1+1/5 minute
6. This is 1 minute 12 seconds