Sumaya can manufacture a spark plug in 13 minutes. When her friend Leonardo helps her, it takes them 5.32 minutes. Using a rational equation, which of the following correctly calculates the rate Leonardo manufactures spark plugs, rounded to the nearest hundredth?

5.32

2.44

69.16

9.01

1 answer

Let L be the rate at which Leonardo manufactures spark plugs. Then the equation is 1/13 + 1/L = 1/5.32.
To solve for L, we need to find the least common denominator (LCD) of 13 and 5.32, which is 68.36. Multiplying both sides of the equation by 68.36 gives us:
5.28 + 68.36/L = 12.87
68.36/L = 7.59
L = 68.36/7.59 = 9.01
Therefore, the correct answer is 9.01.