Tap A fills a tank in 25 minutes, Tap B fills it in 40 minutes, and Tap C empties it in 30 minutes. If all three taps are opened together on an empty tank, will the tank be filled or emptied, and in how many minutes?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: None of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Sum the two inlet rates and subtract the outlet rate. If the net is positive, the tank fills; if negative, it empties. The magnitude of the net rate yields the time for a full tank (if filling) from empty.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • A = 1/25 tank/min.
  • B = 1/40 tank/min.
  • C = −1/30 tank/min.


Concept / Approach:
Net rate r = 1/25 + 1/40 − 1/30. If r > 0, time to fill = 1/r minutes.


Step-by-Step Solution:

LCM 600 ⇒ r = (24 + 15 − 20)/600 = 19/600 tank/min.Since r > 0, the tank fills. Time = 1 / (19/600) = 600/19 ≈ 31.58 minutes.


Verification / Alternative check:
31.58 min * 19/600 ≈ 1 tank, confirming.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Given numeric options do not match 600/19 minutes; therefore “None of these.”


Common Pitfalls:
Arithmetic with mixed denominators or assuming integer results. The exact fraction 600/19 is correct.


Final Answer:
None of these (net fill time = 600/19 minutes ≈ 31.58 min)

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