I need help writing a word problem. Write a word problem describing the time it takes to complete an activity individually
and with a friend.
For example, if John takes 2 hours to mow his lawn and it takes his sister Maria 4 hours to mow the same lawn, how long would it take John and Maria to mow the lawn together?

Question

I need help writing a word problem. Write a word problem describing the time it takes to complete an activity individually 
and with a friend.
For example, if John takes 2 hours to mow his lawn and it takes his sister Maria 4 hours to mow the same lawn, how long would it take John and Maria to mow the lawn together?

anonymous · Answer

@karatechopper

anonymous · Answer

@goformit100

anonymous · Answer

what is wrong with that example?

anonymous · Answer

I can't use it

anonymous · Answer

you need to come up with a different one?

anonymous · Answer

smith can paint a room in 4 hours
wesson takes 5 hours to paint the same room
how long would it take if smith and wesson worked together?

anonymous · Answer

okay thank you. also how would I write this as a rational equation?

anonymous · Answer

btw the answer is almost immediate 
$$\frac{4\times 5}{4+5}=\frac{20}{9}$$

anonymous · Answer

okay well you answered my question.

anonymous · Answer

the equation would be 
$$(\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{5})T=1$$ where T is time

anonymous · Answer

when you add you get 
$$\frac{9}{20}T=1$$ making 
$$T=\frac{20}{9}$$

anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much @satellite73