Shortcut Trick
Ratio of Time taken by A : B : C = 1 : 4 : 3.
Ratio of Efficiency (Inverse of Time) = 1/1 : 1/4 : 1/3 = 12 : 3 : 4.
Total Efficiency = 12 + 3 + 4 = 19. Total Work = 19 × 33 hours.
Time taken by A and B together = (19 × 33) ÷ (12 + 3) = 627 ÷ 15 = 41.8 hours.
∴ The correct answer is 41.8 hours.
Alternate Method
Given: Pipe A takes 1/4th the time of B. Pipe C takes 3 times the time of A. Total time (A+B+C) = 33 hours.
Formula Used: Efficiency × Time = Total Work.
⇒ Let the time taken by Pipe A be 1x hours.
⇒ Time taken by Pipe B = 4x hours (since A takes 1/4th time of B).
⇒ Time taken by Pipe C = 3x hours.
⇒ Efficiency of A : B : C = (1/x) : (1/4x) : (1/3x) = 12 : 3 : 4.
⇒ Combined efficiency of A, B, and C = 12 + 3 + 4 = 19 units/hr.
⇒ Total capacity of tank = 19 × 33 = 627 units.
⇒ If Pipe C is not switched on, combined efficiency of A and B = 12 + 3 = 15 units/hr.
⇒ Time taken = 627 ÷ 15 = 41.8 hours.
∴ The correct answer is 41.8 hours.
Additional Information
Efficiency and Time Relationship
Efficiency is inversely proportional to the time taken to complete a task. If time ratio is a:b, efficiency ratio is b:a.
Combined Work Formula
If pipes fill a tank in x, y, and z hours respectively, the time taken together is 1 ÷ (1/x + 1/y + 1/z).
Negative Work (Inlet vs Outlet)
Inlet pipes have positive efficiency, while outlet (leakage) pipes have negative efficiency when calculating total work.