A contract must be finished in 92 days by 234 men working 16 hours per day. After 66 days, 4/7 of the work is completed. If each man now works 18 hours per day, how many additional men are needed to finish on time?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 162

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Varying daily hours changes throughput, so compute in man-hours. From the completed fraction, determine the remaining man-hours and solve for the headcount at the new hours to meet the deadline.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Initial setup: 234 men, 16 h/day, 92 days planned.
  • After 66 days → completed 4/7.
  • Remaining days: 92 - 66 = 26; new hours = 18 h/day.


Concept / Approach:
Let W be total man-hours. Use 66-day production to infer W, then compute men M such that M * 18 * 26 equals remaining 3/7 W. Subtract current 234 to get additional men.


Step-by-Step Solution:

234*16*66 = 4/7 W → W = (234*16*66)*(7/4)Remaining = 3/7 W = 3*(234*16*66)/4M = [3*234*16*66] / [4*18*26] = 396Additional men = 396 - 234 = 162


Verification / Alternative check:
Dimensional check in man-hours confirms units and cancellation are consistent.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They do not satisfy the precise balance of remaining man-hours within 26 days at 18 h/day.


Common Pitfalls:
Using man-days instead of man-hours after changing daily hours.


Final Answer:
162

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