An experienced accountant can balance the books twice as fast as a new accountant. Working together it takes the accountants 10 hours. How long would it take the experienced accountant working alone?
Person A: x/2 job per hour
Person B: 1/x job per hour
Set up our equation:
1/x + 1/(2x) = 1/10
Multiply the first fraction by 2/2 to get common denominators;
2/(2x) + 1/(2x) = 1/10
Combine like terms
3/2x = 1/10
Cross multiply:
30 = 2x
Divide each side by 2:
x = 15
Person A: x/2 job per hour
Person B: 1/x job per hour
Set up our equation:
1/x + 1/(2x) = 1/10
Multiply the first fraction by 2/2 to get common denominators;
2/(2x) + 1/(2x) = 1/10
Combine like terms
3/2x = 1/10
Cross multiply:
30 = 2x
Divide each side by 2:
x = 15