All three inlets running together Pipes A, B and C can fill a tank in 5 h, 6 h and 30 h, respectively. If all three are opened together, how long will the tank take to fill completely?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 5/2 h

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When several inlets fill the same tank, their constant rates add linearly. The total time is the reciprocal of the combined rate.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • A fills in 5 h ⇒ 1/5 per hour.
  • B fills in 6 h ⇒ 1/6 per hour.
  • C fills in 30 h ⇒ 1/30 per hour.
  • All are inlets (Recovery: original options inconsistent; repaired keeping intent unchanged).


Concept / Approach:
Sum the three positive rates to get the net fill rate, then invert to get time.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Combined rate = 1/5 + 1/6 + 1/30= (6 + 5 + 1) / 30 = 12/30 = 2/5 per hourTime = 1 / (2/5) = 5/2 h = 2.5 h


Verification / Alternative check:
In 2.5 h, A adds 0.5 tank, B adds 2.5/6 ≈ 0.4167, C adds 2.5/30 ≈ 0.0833; total = 1 tank.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
33/14 ≈ 2.357 and 39/14 ≈ 2.786 are off; 3 h is too slow given the extra inlet.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing a filler with an outlet or averaging times instead of adding rates.



Final Answer:
5/2 h

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