Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 35 days
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This problem defines solo times in terms of the team time. Let t be the time taken by A + B together; then A alone is t + 25 and B alone is t + 49. Setting the sum of solo rates equal to the team rate yields a solvable equation for t.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Rates add: 1/(t + 25) + 1/(t + 49) = 1/t. Clear denominators to form a quadratic in t, then solve for the positive root to find the team time directly.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
A alone = 60 days, B alone = 84 days. Check: 1/60 + 1/84 = (7 + 5)/420 = 12/420 = 1/35, matching the team time of 35 days.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
25, 15, or 45 days do not satisfy the relation between solo and team times defined in the equation; only 35 days does.
Common Pitfalls:
Adding times instead of rates or making algebraic errors while cross-multiplying. Keep denominators intact until the final quadratic emerges.
Final Answer:
35 days
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