An inlet pipe fills 1/8 of a tank in 1 hour. How much total time will the pipe take to fill the empty tank completely?

Introduction / Context:If a constant-rate inlet fills a fixed fraction per hour, the time to fill the entire tank is the reciprocal of the fraction filled per hour.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Fraction filled in 1 hour = 1/8.
• Rate is constant and there are no leaks.

Concept / Approach:Let r be the rate in tank/hour. If r = 1/8, then time to fill one tank = 1 / r = 8 hours.

Step-by-Step Solution:Given: per-hour fill = 1/8 tank.Total time for 1 tank = 1 ÷ (1/8) = 8 hours.

Verification / Alternative check:In 8 hours at 1/8 per hour, total filled = 8 * (1/8) = 1 tank, consistent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:2 h, 4 h, and 6 h assume higher hourly fractions than given.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing 1/8 per hour with 1/8 of the remaining tank each hour (which would be variable rate; not applicable here).

Final Answer:8 h