Algebra Work Problems
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More Lessons for Algebra
Math Worksheets
Examples, videos, worksheets, solutions, and activities to help Algebra students learn about work problems.
Work Problem 3
This video focuses on a problem of the type: Worker A can do a job in x hours, and worker B can do a job in y hours. How fast can worker A and B do a job if they work together?
Example:
Mary takes 10 minutes to vacuum a room, but Beth takes 15 minutes. How long will it take to vacuum the room if they work together?
Work Problem 4
Example:
Barry can mow the lawn in 55 minutes. If his son helps him, it gets done in 30 minutes. How long would it take his son to mow the lawn if he worked alone?
Work Rate Word Problem
The equation used is:
rate × time = amount of work done
Example:
If Joe can paint a house in 6 hours and Sam can paint the same house in 8 hours, how long does it take them to do it working together?
Beginning Algebra & Word Problems Involving Work
Defining Rate
If it takes you 7 hours to paint a house then the rate is 1/7 per hour.
In general, if it takes somebody x hours to do something then the rate is 1/x per hour.
Example: It takes an experienced painter 6 days to paint a house. It takes an apprentice 8 days to paint the same house. How long would it take if they worked together?
Step 1: Name what x is.
Step 2: Define everything else in the problem in terms of x.
Step 3: Write the equation.
Step 4: Solve the equation.
Step 5: Answer the question.
Example: One pipe can fill a tank in 8 hours. Another pipe empty the tank in twelve hours. If both pipes are opened simultaneously, how long will it take to fill the tank?
More Lessons for Algebra
Math Worksheets
Examples, videos, worksheets, solutions, and activities to help Algebra students learn about work problems.
Work Problem 3
This video focuses on a problem of the type: Worker A can do a job in x hours, and worker B can do a job in y hours. How fast can worker A and B do a job if they work together?
Example:
Mary takes 10 minutes to vacuum a room, but Beth takes 15 minutes. How long will it take to vacuum the room if they work together?
Example:
Barry can mow the lawn in 55 minutes. If his son helps him, it gets done in 30 minutes. How long would it take his son to mow the lawn if he worked alone?
The equation used is:
rate × time = amount of work done
Example:
If Joe can paint a house in 6 hours and Sam can paint the same house in 8 hours, how long does it take them to do it working together?
Defining Rate
If it takes you 7 hours to paint a house then the rate is 1/7 per hour.
In general, if it takes somebody x hours to do something then the rate is 1/x per hour.
Example: It takes an experienced painter 6 days to paint a house. It takes an apprentice 8 days to paint the same house. How long would it take if they worked together?
Step 1: Name what x is.
Step 2: Define everything else in the problem in terms of x.
Step 3: Write the equation.
Step 4: Solve the equation.
Step 5: Answer the question.
Example: One pipe can fill a tank in 8 hours. Another pipe empty the tank in twelve hours. If both pipes are opened simultaneously, how long will it take to fill the tank?
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