Can someone please help me to answer this math question? Please? I will fan and give a medal...

Question

abbycross167 · Answer

A laborer can do a certain job in 5 days, a second can do the job in 6 days, and a third in 8 days. In what time can the three together do the job?

abbycross167 · Answer

I did the steps once but my teacher said something was wrong...

will.h · Answer

explain your steps please

abbycross167 · Answer

1/5+1/6+1/8=59/120
Combined rate * time (t) = 1
 59
------  t = 1
120


120       59         120
------ * ------ t = ------ * 1
 59        120         59
     120
T= ------  = 2.0339
       59
It will take them about two and a half days.

abbycross167 · Answer

this is what my teacher said....
120/59 does not equal 2 1/2 days!!!    whoa!

sshayer · Answer

the teacher is correct
2 and half means 2.50etc

mjdennis · Answer

Sure, because 0.03 is way less than one-half.

I think your math looks right, it is just your interpretation that is wrong..

abbycross167 · Answer

So I should say it takes a little less than 2 1/2? @sshayer

sshayer · Answer

it is$$2\frac{ 2 }{ 59 }days$$
or nearly 2 days 
or slightly more than 2 days

sshayer · Answer

2.03 is approx. 2 days

abbycross167 · Answer

oh ok round down! I forgot! thank you!!!