A and B complete a work in 14 days. If A alone can do it in 42 days, then B alone can do one-third of the same work in _________ (days).
- AOption (a)
14
- BOption (b)
7
- COption (c)
28
- DOption (d)
21
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Correct answer
7
Why this answer is correct
Shortcut Trick
Let total work be the LCM of 14 and 42 = 42 units.
Combined efficiency of A and B = 42 ÷ 14 = 3 units/day.
Efficiency of A alone = 42 ÷ 42 = 1 unit/day.
Efficiency of B alone = 3 − 1 = 2 units/day.
Time taken by B for one-third work = (42 ÷ 3) ÷ 2 = 14 ÷ 2 = 7 days.
∴ The correct answer is 7 days.
Alternate Method
Given:
Time taken by A and B to complete the work = 14 days
Time taken by A alone to complete the work = 42 days
Calculations:
| Person | Days | Total Work | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| A + B | 14 | 42 | 3 |
| A | 42 | 1 |
⇒ Efficiency of B = Efficiency of (A + B) − Efficiency of A
⇒ Efficiency of B = 3 − 1 = 2 units/day
⇒ Target work for B = 1/3 of Total Work
⇒ Target work = (1 ÷ 3) × 42 = 14 units
⇒ Time taken by B = Target work ÷ Efficiency of B
⇒ Time taken by B = 14 ÷ 2 = 7 days
∴ The correct answer is 7 days.
Additional Information
Pipes & Cisterns
Works exactly like Time & Work problems. An inlet pipe has a positive efficiency (filling), while an outlet pipe or a leak has a negative efficiency (emptying).
Work & Wages
Wages are always distributed in the ratio of the total work done by each person. If they work for the same number of days, the wages are shared directly in the ratio of their efficiencies.
Alternate Days Work
Find the total work done in a complete cycle (e.g., 2 days for 2 people). Multiply the cycle to get as close to the total work as possible, then calculate the time for the remaining work done by the person whose turn is next.