A and B can complete a task in 20 days and 25 days, respectively. They started working together, but B left after 5 days. How many more days will A take to finish the remaining work?
- AOption (a)
10 days
- BOption (b)
11 days
- COption (c)
12 days
- DOption (d)
9 days
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Correct answer
11 days
Why this answer is correct
Shortcut Trick
Total work (LCM of 20, 25) = 100 units.
Efficiency: A = 5 units/day, B = 4 units/day.
Together in 5 days = (5 + 4) × 5 = 45 units.
Remaining work = 100 − 45 = 55 units.
Time for A = 55 ÷ 5 = 11 days.
∴ The correct answer is 11 days.
Alternate Method
Given:
Time taken by A = 20 days
Time taken by B = 25 days
Work duration together = 5 days
Formula Used:
Total Work = Efficiency × Time
| Person | Days | Total Work | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 20 | 100 | 5 |
| B | 25 | 4 |
Calculations:
⇒ Total Work = LCM(20, 25) = 100 units
⇒ Efficiency of A = 100 ÷ 20 = 5 units/day
⇒ Efficiency of B = 100 ÷ 25 = 4 units/day
⇒ Combined Efficiency of A + B = 5 + 4 = 9 units/day
⇒ Work completed in 5 days = 9 × 5 = 45 units
⇒ Remaining Work = 100 − 45 = 55 units
⇒ Extra time taken by A = Remaining Work ÷ Efficiency of A
⇒ Time = 55 ÷ 5 = 11 days
∴ The correct answer is 11 days.
Additional Information
Pipes and Cisterns
Similar to Time & Work, but includes negative efficiency for outlet pipes that empty the tank.
Work and Wages
Wages are distributed in the ratio of the actual work done by each person, which is proportional to their efficiencies if they work for the same duration.
Alternate Day Work
Calculate work done in one full cycle (e.g., 2 days) and then divide the total work by the cycle efficiency.