Question

The time it takes to set up a circus tent varies inversely with the number E of elephants used. If 4 elephants can set up a tent in 30 hrs how long will it take 2 elephants?

Answer 1

It will take 60 hours for 2 elephants to set up the tent.

Explanation:

Represent set-up time by T and the number of elephants by E. T varies inversely with E:

T = k/E, or TE = k

If 4 elephants can set up a tent in 30 hours, then 30(4) = k, and

T = 120/E

Now let E = 2. We get T = 120/2, or 60

It will take 60 hours for 2 elephants to set up the tent.