A and B together can complete a task in 10 days, B and C in 12 days and A and C in 15 days. How long will A, B and C take to complete the task working together?
- AOption (a)
9 days
- BOption (b)
7 days
- COption (c)
10 days
- DOption (d)
8 days
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Correct answer
8 days
Why this answer is correct
Shortcut Trick
Total Work (LCM of 10, 12, 15) = 60 units.
Efficiencies: (A+B) = 6, (B+C) = 5, (A+C) = 4.
Combined efficiency 2(A+B+C) = 6 + 5 + 4 = 15.
Efficiency (A+B+C) = 15 ÷ 2 = 7.5.
Time taken = 60 ÷ 7.5 = 8 days.
∴ The correct answer is 8 days.
Alternate Method
Given: (A+B) takes 10 days, (B+C) takes 12 days, and (A+C) takes 15 days.
Formula Used: Total Work = Time × Efficiency
| Person | Days | Total Work | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| A + B | 10 | 60 | 6 |
| B + C | 12 | 5 | |
| A + C | 15 | 4 |
⇒ Total efficiency of (A+B), (B+C), and (A+C) = 6 + 5 + 4 = 15
⇒ 2 × (Efficiency of A + B + C) = 15
⇒ Efficiency of A, B and C together = 15 ÷ 2 = 7.5
⇒ Time taken by A, B and C = Total Work ÷ Combined Efficiency
⇒ Time taken = 60 ÷ 7.5 = 8 days
∴ The correct answer is 8 days.
Additional Information
Individual Efficiency
To find A's individual efficiency, subtract (B+C) efficiency from (A+B+C) total efficiency: 7.5 − 5 = 2.5.
Work and Wages
Wages are always distributed in the ratio of the work done by each person or the ratio of their efficiencies.
Pipes and Cisterns
This logic is identical to pipes filling a tank, where an outlet pipe performs negative work (efficiency is subtracted).