Finding the Time: Solving a Rational Equation for Painting a Wall

[Veronica_Oles]

Homework Statement

Person 1 can paint 3m² in x hours, person #2 can paint 7m² in x + 2 hours however together they can paint 22m² of the wall in 10 hours. How many hours did person #2 take to paint the wall?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Im confused at how to start the question. Would I arrange it to to be 3/x + 7/(x+2) = 22/10 if this is how you arrange it I know how to solve I just need to know if this step one is correct?

 

[Mark44]

Homework Statement

Person 1 can paint 3m² in x hours, person #2 can paint 7m² in x + 2 hours however together they can paint 22m² of the wall in 10 hours. How many hours did person #2 take to paint the wall?

Do you mean, "How many hours would person #2 take to paint the wall, working alone?"

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Im confused at how to start the question. Would I arrange it to to be 3/x + 7/(x+2) = 22/10 if this is how you arrange it I know how to solve I just need to know if this step one is correct?

 

[Mark44]

Im confused at how to start the question. Would I arrange it to to be 3/x + 7/(x+2) = 22/10 if this is how you arrange it I know how to solve I just need to know if this step one is correct?

You're on the right track here.

 

[Veronica_Oles]

You're on the right track here.

Thank you.