Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 10/3 days
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Questions involving “work done before/after” test your ability to compute partial work using individual rates and then convert the remaining work into time for another worker. This problem features two workers with different efficiencies and a hand-off in the middle.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The rate approach: If a worker completes a job in T days, the daily rate is 1/T. Work done = rate * time. Remaining work = total work − completed work.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Convert to hours if desired: 10/3 days ≈ 3.333... days. Multiplying A’s rate 1/10 by 10/3 yields exactly 1/3 of the job, matching the remaining portion.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up who worked first, or adding rates/time incorrectly. Always compute remaining work correctly before dividing by the finisher’s rate.
Final Answer:
10/3 days
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