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View Full Version : word problem... maybe solved by quadratic equation.


genelle
Nov21-09, 08:37 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Here the the word problem:
Genelle and Eljen can paint a room together in 4 hours. Working alone, Genelle can paint the room in two hours less than Eljen can. Find how long it takes Eljen to paint the room alone.
2. Relevant equations
Maybe, this problem can be solved using the quadratic equation.
3. The attempt at a solution
Please.. it's about quadratic erquation.

statdad
Nov21-09, 10:03 PM
A general approach in these is to think about the RATES of work. If you have two people, say A and B, who require a hours and b hours when working alone to finish a job, and t hours when working together, the numbers a, b, and t are connected with this equation:


\frac 1 a + \frac 1 b = \frac 1 t


Use the information provided in your question to set up the unknowns, and then the appropriate equation.