Deconstructing the QuestionLet machine A take \(T_A\) hours to complete the job alone.
We are told that machine C takes \(3\) times as long as A, machine B takes \(4\) times as long as C, and machine B takes \(2\) times as long as D.
Work with times first, then convert to rates.
Step-by-stepLet the whole job be \(1\).
Then
\(T_C = 3T_A\)
Since B takes 4 times as long as C,
\(T_B = 4(3T_A) = 12T_A\)
Since B takes twice as long as D,
\(T_B = 2T_D\)
so
\(T_D = \frac{T_B}{2} = \frac{12T_A}{2} = 6T_A\)
Now convert to rates.
Rate of A:
\(\frac{1}{T_A}\)
Rate of B:
\(\frac{1}{12T_A}\)
Rate of C:
\(\frac{1}{3T_A}\)
Rate of D:
\(\frac{1}{6T_A}\)
Combined rate of B, C, and D:
\(\frac{1}{12T_A} + \frac{1}{3T_A} + \frac{1}{6T_A}\)
Rewrite with denominator \(12T_A\):
\(\frac{1}{12T_A} + \frac{4}{12T_A} + \frac{2}{12T_A} = \frac{7}{12T_A}\)
So in 1 hour, B, C, and D complete
\(\frac{7}{12T_A}\)
of the job.
How long would A take to complete that same amount of work?
\(\frac{\frac{7}{12T_A}}{\frac{1}{T_A}} = \frac{7}{12}\)
hour.
Convert to minutes:
\(\frac{7}{12}\cdot 60 = 35\)
Answer B