"Three people who work full-time are to work together on a project, but their total time on the project is to be equivalent to that of only one person working full-time. If one of the people is budgeted for one-half of his time and a second is budgeted for one-third her time, what portion of the third worker's time should be budgeted to this project?": I've gotten as far as 1/2+1/3+?=1whole...how would I calculate it without a calculator?

Question

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

so it looks like you want to solve 1/2 + 1/3 + x = 1 for x

anonymous · Answer

right

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

1/2 + 1/3 + x = 1

3/6 + 2/6 + x = 1

(3 + 2)/6 + x = 1

5/6 + x = 1

x = 1 - 5/6

x = 6/6 - 5/6

x = (6 - 5)/6

x = 1/6

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

So the third worker should get 1/6 of the job

whpalmer4 · Answer

$$\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{3}+x = 1$$LCM of 2 and 3 is 6, so multiply everything by 6.
$$3+2+6x=6$$$$6x=1$$$$x=\frac{1}{6}$$

whpalmer4 · Answer

There's an assumption made here in the problem which doesn't really hold up well in real life, namely that everyone works the same amount of time in a "full day"...

anonymous · Answer

Thank you both so much!! best answers I've had on any questions!! I really appreciate it!

whpalmer4 · Answer

You're welcome!

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

glad to be of help

anonymous · Answer

I know its an inconsistent question...I got it from a samle Accuplacer test to study... :/

whpalmer4 · Answer

Someone looking for extra work to get better?  Wow, quite a refreshing change from all too many OpenStudiers who just want answers to finish their test or homework!

anonymous · Answer

HAHA nah, I'm studying to take a placement test...I have the answers (to be fair, so I know if some one shoots me a b.s. answer... thanks some people) I just want to know how to get the job done for myself. Which is why I really appreciate your explanation!

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

that's good to know since you at least have some idea of where you're going

if anyone just gave you the answer, just report them because it's against the code of conduct anyway (you have to show how you got it or help the other person get it). It doesn't help anyway with just the answer.

anonymous · Answer

Exactly! And when I asked them to explain, they didn't. So my first question was never really answered...but I took it down cause I thought 'what's the point'? I don't want to sit all night waiting for ONE answer.

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

hmm well some unfortunately can be rude like that, so it's best to move on

anonymous · Answer

Right, thanks again!

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

you're welcome