One pipe fills a tank in 1 hour while another pipe can fill the same tank in 2 hours. How long will it take to fill the tank if both pipes are used.
1/x = 1/1 + 1/2 = 3/2
x = 2/3
40
To find out how long it will take to fill the tank when both pipes are used, we can calculate their combined filling rate.
Let's assume that the tank has a capacity of C.
The first pipe can fill the entire tank in 1 hour, which means its filling rate is C/1 = C.
The second pipe can fill the entire tank in 2 hours, which means its filling rate is C/2 = C/2.
To find the combined filling rate when both pipes are used, we need to add their individual rates: C + C/2.
Now, since the combined filling rate is measured in units per hour, we can set up an equation to solve for the time it takes to fill the tank:
Combined filling rate = 1 tank / time taken
C + C/2 = 1/t
To solve for t, we can multiply both sides of the equation by t:
t * (C + C/2) = 1
Simplifying the left side of the equation:
Ct + Ct/2 = 1
Combining like terms:
3Ct/2 = 1
Multiplying both sides by 2/3 to isolate t:
t = 2/3 / (C/2)
Simplifying further:
t = 4/3C
Therefore, it will take 4/3 times the capacity of the tank to fill the tank when both pipes are used.