Ted can mow the lawn in 5 minutes by using his power mower. Galen takes 15 minutes to mow the same lawn using a push-type mower. How many minutes would the job take if the two boys worked together?

If t is the time working together, which of the following expressions represents the portion of the job that Ted will complete when the guys work together?

Question

Mathematics

Kathy Mccarty

16 April, 12:28

Ted can mow the lawn in 5 minutes by using his power mower. Galen takes 15 minutes to mow the same lawn using a push-type mower. How many minutes would the job take if the two boys worked together?

If t is the time working together, which of the following expressions represents the portion of the job that Ted will complete when the guys work together?

+5

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Melton · Answer 1

For the answer to the question above,

Minutes needed to complete full job:

Ted = 5 minutes

Galen = 15 minutes

Together = x

Amount of job completed per minute:

Ted = 1/5 of lawn

Galen = 1/15 of lawn

Together = 1/x of lawn

Equation:

1/5 + 1/15 = 1/x

3/15 + 1/15 = 1/x

4/15 = 1/x

(4/15) x = 1

x = 15/4

So the answer is 3 3/4 minutes (15/4)