If Sam and Ken work together, they can complete a job in 14 days. If Sam and Ken worked together for 7 days, followed by Ken who worked alone for the next 21 days, they can finish off the job.
- How many days would Ken need to complete the job alone?
- How many days would Sam need to complete the job alone?
(a)
Time taken by Sam and Ken if they work together:
14 days → 1 job
1 day →
114 job
7 days →
714 =
12 job
Time taken by Ken if he works alone:
21 days → 1 -
12 =
12 job
1 day →
12 ÷ 21 =
12 x
121 =
142 job
1 job → 42 days
(b)
Time taken by Sam if he works alone:
1 day →
114 -
142 =
242 =
121 job
121 job → 1 day
1 job → 1 ÷
121 = 21 days
Answer(s): (a) 42; (b) 21