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Operating at their respective constant rates, Photocopying machine B takes 6 minutes more than photocopying machine A to copy x pages. When machines A and B are operated simultaneously, 7x pages can be copied in 20 minutes. In how many minutes can machine A operating alone copy 2x pages?
  • a)
    60/7
  • b)
    8
  • c)
    30/7
  • d)
    4
  • e)
    A unique answer cannot be determined
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Operating at their respective constant rates, Photocopying machine B t...
Given:
  • Time taken by A and B together to copy 7x pages) = 20 minutes
To Find: Time taken by A alone to copy 2x pages
Approach:
2. We’re given the combined output of A and B and the time taken for this output. Using this data, we can find the combined rate of A and B.
Then, we’ll use the equation (Combined Rate of A and B) = (Rate of A) + (Rate of B) to get an equation in terms of a.
Working out:
  • When A and B operate simultaneously, 7x pages take 20 minutes
    • So, Combined Rate =  pages per minute
  • The negative root is rejected since time cannot be negative.
  • So, a = 4 minutes
  • Therefore, Required Time = 2a = 2*4 = 8 minutes
Looking at the answer choices, we see that the correct answer is Option B
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Most Upvoted Answer
Operating at their respective constant rates, Photocopying machine B t...
Given information:
- Photocopying machine B takes 6 minutes more than photocopying machine A to copy x pages.
- When machines A and B are operated simultaneously, 7x pages can be copied in 20 minutes.

To find:
- In how many minutes can machine A operating alone copy 2x pages?

Solution:
Let's say machine A takes t minutes to copy x pages.
Then, machine B takes (t+6) minutes to copy x pages.

When both machines operate simultaneously,
- Machine A can copy (7x/t) pages in 20 minutes.
- Machine B can copy (7x/(t+6)) pages in 20 minutes.

And, the combined output is 7x pages in 20 minutes.

Using the above information, we can form the following equation:
7x/t + 7x/(t+6) = 7x/20

Simplifying the above equation, we get:
t^2 + 6t - 120 = 0

Solving the quadratic equation, we get:
t = 10 or t = -12

Since time cannot be negative, we take t = 10 minutes.

So, machine A can copy x pages in 10 minutes.
Therefore, machine A can copy 2x pages in 20 minutes.

Hence, the answer is option 'B' - 8.
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Operating at their respective constant rates, Photocopying machine B takes 6 minutes more than photocopying machine A to copy x pages. When machines A and B are operated simultaneously, 7x pages can be copied in 20 minutes. In how many minutes can machine A operating alone copy 2x pages?a)60/7b)8c)30/7d)4e)A unique answer cannot be determinedCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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