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# Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta

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Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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26 Sep 2018, 04:13
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Difficulty:

65% (hard)

Question Stats:

66% (02:17) correct 34% (02:21) wrong based on 89 sessions

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Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first tap was opened initially for x minutes after which the second tap was opened. If it took a total of 15 minutes for the tank to be filled, what is the value of x?

(A) 5.0
(B) 7.5
(C) 9.0
(D) 10.0
(E) 12.5

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Posts: 21
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Concentration: General Management, Entrepreneurship
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Re: Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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28 Sep 2018, 09:31
2
Ratio A=1/20
Ratio B= 1/30
Combined ratio= 1/20+1/30=1/12

Now, since we know that tap A was opened before B, we can create the function:

1/20*x + 1/12*(15-x)=1

Substitute the values and you'll find that the correct answer is B.
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Re: Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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29 Sep 2018, 02:28
1
Bunuel wrote:
Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first tap was opened initially for x minutes after which the second tap was opened. If it took a total of 15 minutes for the tank to be filled, what is the value of x?

(A) 5.0
(B) 7.5
(C) 9.0
(D) 10.0
(E) 12.5

Let, Total Work Unit = 60
Work done by First tap in 20 minutes = 60 units
Work done by First tap in 1 minutes = 60/20 units = 3 units
Work done by First tap in 15 minutes = 3*15 = 45 units

Work done by Second tap in 30 minutes = 60 units
Work done by Second tap in 1 minutes = 60/30 units = 2 units
Work done by Second tap in 15-x minutes = 2(15-x) = 30-2x units

Total Work done by both taps in 15 mins = 45 +30-2x = 60 Units
i.e. x = 7.5 Minutes

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Posts: 1288
Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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29 Sep 2018, 07:16
GMATinsight wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first tap was opened initially for x minutes after which the second tap was opened. If it took a total of 15 minutes for the tank to be filled, what is the value of x?

(A) 5.0
(B) 7.5
(C) 9.0
(D) 10.0
(E) 12.5

Let, Total Work Unit = 60
Work done by First tap in 20 minutes = 60 units
Work done by First tap in 1 minutes = 60/20 units = 3 units
Work done by First tap in 15 minutes = 3*15 = 45 units

Work done by Second tap in 30 minutes = 60 units
Work done by Second tap in 1 minutes = 60/30 units = 2 units
Work done by Second tap in 15-x minutes = 2(15-x) = 30-2x units

Total Work done by both taps in 15 mins = 45 +30-2x = 60 Units
i.e. x = 7.5 Minutes

hey GMATinsight
Why did you take 60 as total work done ? i guess its LCM of 20 and 30, but then let me ask you a question isnt in denominator given time 1/20 where 1 is work and 20 is time
thank you
VP
Joined: 09 Mar 2016
Posts: 1288
Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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29 Sep 2018, 13:01
Italiandrummer97 wrote:
Ratio A=1/20
Ratio B= 1/30
Combined ratio= 1/20+1/30=1/12

Now, since we know that tap A was opened before B, we can create the function:

1/20*x + 1/12*(15-x)=1

Substitute the values and you'll find that the correct answer is B.

bonjurno Italiandrummer97 , isnt tthere a mistake in your equation ?

why didnt you write equation like this 1/20*x + 1/30*(15-x)=1/12

from which source did you learn work and rate problems
Intern
Joined: 17 Apr 2018
Posts: 21
Location: Italy
Concentration: General Management, Entrepreneurship
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Re: Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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29 Sep 2018, 21:31
1
1
dave13 wrote:
Italiandrummer97 wrote:
Ratio A=1/20
Ratio B= 1/30
Combined ratio= 1/20+1/30=1/12

Now, since we know that tap A was opened before B, we can create the function:

1/20*x + 1/12*(15-x)=1

Substitute the values and you'll find that the correct answer is B.

bonjurno , isnt tthere a mistake in your equation ?

why didnt you write equation like this 1/20*x + 1/30*(15-x)=1/12

from which source did you learn work and rate problems

Hey No, I don't think so: the reasoning behind the equation is this:

1)$$1/20x$$ Is the ratio of A * time it is activated
2)$$1/12*(15-x)$$ Is the ratio after you open tap B, which working together with tap A gives a combined ratio of 1/12, *time they are activated together(i.e. total time - x = 15-x).
3)Equate their sum to 1, which is the cistern we have to fill.

Then solve the equation and the result will be $$15/2$$, hence the correct answer is B.

I learned to create models in high school and university, I just applied this knowledge to this work and rate problem I'm sure there are other ways, but that's the one that came up in my mind at the moment.

If you need any further clarification just quote me and I'll be happy to help
And please, give kudos if you found this solution helpful
_________________

Give kudos if you found this post helpful :D

My GMAT history:
1st GMATPrep: 620 (Q46, V29)
2nd GMATPrep: 700(Q46, V40)
3rd GMATPrep: 720(Q49, V38)

CEO
Status: GMATINSIGHT Tutor
Joined: 08 Jul 2010
Posts: 2726
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WE: Education (Education)
Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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29 Sep 2018, 22:13
2
dave13 wrote:
GMATinsight wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first tap was opened initially for x minutes after which the second tap was opened. If it took a total of 15 minutes for the tank to be filled, what is the value of x?

(A) 5.0
(B) 7.5
(C) 9.0
(D) 10.0
(E) 12.5

Let, Total Work Unit = 60
Work done by First tap in 20 minutes = 60 units
Work done by First tap in 1 minutes = 60/20 units = 3 units
Work done by First tap in 15 minutes = 3*15 = 45 units

Work done by Second tap in 30 minutes = 60 units
Work done by Second tap in 1 minutes = 60/30 units = 2 units
Work done by Second tap in 15-x minutes = 2(15-x) = 30-2x units

Total Work done by both taps in 15 mins = 45 +30-2x = 60 Units
i.e. x = 7.5 Minutes

hey GMATinsight
Why did you take 60 as total work done ? i guess its LCM of 20 and 30, but then let me ask you a question isnt in denominator given time 1/20 where 1 is work and 20 is time
thank you

dave13
This method requires us to assume the total work unit.

In order to keep work units done by workers in unit time (i.e. Rate) as Integer, we assume the total work unit a number which is common multiple of times i.ee. common multiple of 15 and 20 in this case. Hence one could have chosen 60 or 120 or 180 as the total work units.

I hope this helps!!!
_________________

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e-mail: info@GMATinsight.com I Call us : +91-9999687183 / 9891333772
Online One-on-One Skype based classes and Classroom Coaching in South and West Delhi
http://www.GMATinsight.com/testimonials.html

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VP
Joined: 09 Mar 2016
Posts: 1288
Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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30 Sep 2018, 01:09
1
Italiandrummer97 wrote:
dave13 wrote:
Italiandrummer97 wrote:
Ratio A=1/20
Ratio B= 1/30
Combined ratio= 1/20+1/30=1/12

Now, since we know that tap A was opened before B, we can create the function:

1/20*x + 1/12*(15-x)=1

Substitute the values and you'll find that the correct answer is B.

bonjurno , isnt tthere a mistake in your equation ?

why didnt you write equation like this 1/20*x + 1/30*(15-x)=1/12

from which source did you learn work and rate problems

Hey No, I don't think so: the reasoning behind the equation is this:

1)$$1/20x$$ Is the ratio of A * time it is activated
2)$$1/12*(15-x)$$ Is the ratio after you open tap B, which working together with tap A gives a combined ratio of 1/12, *time they are activated together(i.e. total time - x = 15-x).
3)Equate their sum to 1, which is the cistern we have to fill.

Then solve the equation and the result will be $$15/2$$, hence the correct answer is B.

I learned to create models in high school and university, I just applied this knowledge to this work and rate problem I'm sure there are other ways, but that's the one that came up in my mind at the moment.

If you need any further clarification just quote me and I'll be happy to help
And please, give kudos if you found this solution helpful

hey Italiandrummer97

thank you ! got it now! happy international drumming day!

$$\frac{x}{20} +\frac{15-x}{12} = 1$$

$$(60)(\frac{x}{20} +\frac{15-x}{12}) = 1(60)$$

$$3x+5(15-x) =60$$

$$3x+75-5x=60$$

$$15=2x$$

$$x = 7.5$$
VP
Joined: 09 Mar 2016
Posts: 1288
Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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30 Sep 2018, 01:17
GMATinsight wrote:

This method requires us to assume the total work unit.

In order to keep work units done by workers in unit time (i.e. Rate) as Integer, we assume the total work unit a number which is common multiple of times i.ee. common multiple of 15 and 20 in this case. Hence one could have chosen 60 or 120 or 180 as the total work units.

I hope this helps!!!

GMATinsight , thank you ! today i know TWO methods and yesterday i didnt know any of the methods
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Joined: 04 Jan 2015
Posts: 2457
Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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30 Sep 2018, 06:12

Solution

Given:

• Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes.
• First tap was opened initially for x minutes.
• After first x minutes, both the taps were open.

To find:
• The value of x

Approach and Working out:

Let us take the capacity of cistern= LCM(20, 30)=60 litres.

Hence, Tap A fills the 3 litres in 1 min
• And, Tap B fills the 2 litres in 1 min.

Thus, for first x min, the capacity of cistern filled = 3x
After, x min, both the taps were open for (15-x) min.
• Therefore, the amount filled by both the taps=5*(15-x)= 75-5x

Now, the cistern got filled.
• Hence, 3x+75-5x= 60
• 2x= 15
• x= 7.5 min

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Posts: 29
Re: Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta  [#permalink]

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08 Oct 2018, 01:03
Hi All,

This is my approach that I tend to find to be the quickest:

RateA x 20mins = 1
Ra = 1/20

RateB x 30mins = 1
Rb = 1/30

In 15 mins, Tap A fills the cistern to 3/4 capacity:
1/20 x 15 mins = 3/4
But the problem says that in 15 mins cistern will be completely full, not 3/4 full. Hence Tap B must have been turned on at some time.

1/30 x T = 1/4 (amount left to be filled)
T = 1/4 x 30/1
T = 30/4 = 7 and 1/2 = 7.5

Ans: B
Re: Two taps can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes. The first ta &nbs [#permalink] 08 Oct 2018, 01:03
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