Official Solution:Working alone at its constant rate, machine A produces \(x\) boxes in 10 minutes and working alone at its constant rate, machine B produces \(2x\) boxes in 5 minutes. How many minutes does it take machines A and B, working simultaneously at their respective constant rates, to produce \(3x\) boxes?A. 3 minutes
B. 4 minutes
C. 5 minutes
D. 6 minutes
E. 12 minutes
The rate of machine \(A = \frac{job}{time} = \frac{x}{10}\) boxes per minute.
The rate of machine \(B = \frac{job}{time} = \frac{2x}{5}\) boxes per minute.
Their combined rate is \(\frac{x}{10} + \frac{2x}{5} = \frac{x}{2}\) boxes per minute.
To produce \(3x\) boxes, together they will need \(time = \frac{job}{combined \ rate} = \frac{3x}{(\frac{x}{2})} = 6 \ minutes\).
Answer: D