Two pipes X and Y can fill a cistern in 6 and 7 min, respectively. Starting with pipe X, both the pipes are opened alternately, each for 1 min. In what time will they fill the cistern?

Part filled by X in 1st min and Y in the 2nd min = ( 1/6 + 1/7) = 13/42
Part filled by ( X + Y ) working alternately in 6 min = 1/2 x 13/42 x 6 =13/14
∴ Remaining Part = ( 1- 13/14 ) = 1/14
Now, it is the turn of X, one-sixth part is filled in 1 min.
One-fourteenth part is filled in (6 x 1/14) min = 3/7
∴ Required time = ( 6 + 3/7 ) = 6³/₇ min