Question

Jim and his dad are bricklayers. Jim can lay bricks for a fireplace and chimney in 5 days. With his father's help he can build it in 2 days. How long would it take his father to build it alone?

Answer 1

Jim's rate --- 1/5
dad's rate --- 1/x

combined rate = 1/5 + 1/x
= (x+5)/(5x)

given: (x+5)/(5x) = 1/2
5x = 2x + 10
3x = 10
x = 10/3

so by himself dad could build it in 3 1/3 days

Answer 2

how many minutes