Pipe A can fill a tank in 10 minutes. Pipe B takes 200% more time than A to fill the same tank. If both pipes are opened together for 5 minutes, what fraction of the tank remains empty?
- AOption (a)
1/2
- BOption (b)
1/3
- COption (c)
2/3
- DOption (d)
1/4
- EOption (e)
1/6
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Correct answer
1/3
Why this answer is correct
Shortcut Trick
Time for A = 10 min; Time for B = 10 + 200% of 10 = 30 min.
Efficiency ratio A : B = 30 : 10 = 3 : 1.
Total Work = 10 × 3 = 30 units.
Work done in 5 min = 5 × (3 + 1) = 20 units.
Remaining work = 30 − 20 = 10 units.
Fraction empty = 10/30 = 1/3.
∴ The correct answer is 1/3.
Alternate Method
Given: Time taken by Pipe A = 10 minutes. Pipe B takes 200% more time than A.
Formula Used: Efficiency = Total Work ÷ Time; Fraction remaining = (Total Work − Work Done) ÷ Total Work.
| Person | Days | Total Work | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe A | 10 min | 30 units | 3 |
| Pipe B | 30 min | 1 |
⇒ Time for B = 10 + (200/100 × 10) = 10 + 20 = 30 minutes.
⇒ Combined efficiency of (A + B) = 3 + 1 = 4 units/min.
⇒ Work filled in 5 minutes = 4 × 5 = 20 units.
⇒ Remaining part of the tank = 30 − 20 = 10 units.
⇒ Fraction of tank empty = 10/30 = 1/3.
∴ The correct answer is 1/3.
Additional Information
Percentage More Concept
If a value is x% more than A, the new value is A × (1 + x/100). Here, 200% more means 3 times the original value.
Pipes and Cisterns
If an inlet pipe fills in x hours and an outlet pipe empties in y hours, net work per hour = (1/x − 1/y).
Efficiency and Time
Efficiency is inversely proportional to the time taken to complete a task. Ratio of time A:B = x:y → Ratio of efficiency A:B = y:x.