Multiple choice

P is twice as good as Q and together they finish a piece of work in 36 days. The number of days taken by P alone to finish the work is

  1. 48

  2. 60

  3. 54

  4. 72
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

P is twice as good as Q, so P's rate = 2Q's rate. Combined rate = 3Q's rate. Together they finish in 36 days, so 3Q's rate = 1/36. Q's rate = 1/108. P's rate = 2/108 = 1/54. P takes 54 days.

AI explanation

Since P is twice as good as Q, the ratio of their efficiencies is 2 to 1, meaning P does two thirds of the total work when they work together. Their combined work is completed in 36 days, so P alone would take 36 multiplied by the reciprocal of two thirds to finish the job. This calculation yields 54 days.

Keep practicing — related questions