Efficient Work Solutions: Teamwork in Word Problems Made Easy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a work problem involving two individuals, A and B, who can complete tasks in different time frames. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the problem and the provided hint, which suggests a mathematical approach to find the time required for both to work together. A parallel scenario involving eating potato chips is also introduced, raising similar questions about collaborative effort.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the mathematical relationship between the rates at which A and B can complete tasks individually and together. Some express confusion about the hint provided, while others attempt to clarify the concept by rephrasing the problem in terms of eating potato chips.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify the problem and hint. While some guidance has been offered, particularly through rephrasing the problem, there is no explicit consensus on the understanding of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of collaborative work problems, with some expressing uncertainty about the mathematical setup and assumptions inherent in the hints provided. The use of relatable scenarios, such as eating potato chips, is noted as a potential strategy to enhance understanding.

Omid
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A can do a piece of work in 4 days and B in 6 days. How long will they require working together ?

Hint. 1/4 + 1/6 = 1/x


I just don't get them :redface: ( The problem and the hint).
Can you help me understand it ?
 
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one piece of work in four days plus one piece of work in six days equals one piece of work in x days
 
Question: Suppose A and B are eating potato chips from the same bag. It would take A 4 minutes to eat all the chips if B wasn't there. It would take B 6 minutes to eat all the chips if A wasn't there. How long will it take the two of them to finish that bag of chips?

Hint: In one minute, A eats 1/4 of the chips and B 1/6 of the chips, so 1/4+1/6 of the bag will be eaten each minute. If they keep eating for x minutes, they will have eaten (1/4+1/6)x of the bag. The bag will be empty when this equals 1, so all you have to do is to solve the equation (1/4+1/6)x=1.
 
Fredrik said:
Question: Suppose A and B are eating potato chips from the same bag. It would take A 4 minutes to eat all the chips if B wasn't there. It would take B 6 minutes to eat all the chips if A wasn't there. How long will it take the two of them to finish that bag of chips?

Hint: In one minute, A eats 1/4 of the chips and B 1/6 of the chips, so 1/4+1/6 of the bag will be eaten each minute. If they keep eating for x minutes, they will have eaten (1/4+1/6)x of the bag. The bag will be empty when this equals 1, so all you have to do is to solve the equation (1/4+1/6)x=1.


Thank you very very very very much. :smile:
 
Fredrik posted a very pedagogical hint :
Suppose A and B are eating potato chips from the same bag. :smile: :smile:
Doubtlessly students must pay more attention to potato chips than to abstract pieces of work.
 

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