If a single inlet pipe fills a tank in 6 hours, what portion of the tank is filled by this pipe in exactly 1 hour?
Aptitude
Pipes and Cistern
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: 1/6
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The rate for finishing one job in T hours is 1/T job per hour. For a tank-filling problem, that means the fraction of a full tank filled per hour is the reciprocal of the total time in hours.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Total time to fill one full tank = 6 hours.
- Rate is constant and there are no leaks.
Concept / Approach:Fraction filled in 1 hour = 1 / 6 of the tank.
Step-by-Step Solution:Rate = 1/6 tank per hour.In 1 hour, filled = 1/6 of the tank.
Verification / Alternative check:Over 6 hours, 6 * (1/6) = 1 whole tank, confirming consistency.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:1/3, 1/4, and 1/5 overstate the rate compared to the given 6-hour completion time.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing rate with remaining fraction or misapplying proportionality.
Final Answer:1/6