Working alone at a constant rate if A takes 'a' days to complete a task, A will complete 1/a of the task in a day.
Step 1: Translate words into mathematical expressions
A will complete 1/a of the task in a day.
Therefore, in 2 days A will complete 2/a of the task in a day.
Similarly, A will complete 5/a of the task in 5 days.
If A starts, they finish the task in exactly 10 days.A starts and works for 2 days. So, A will work on day 1 and day 2.
Then B will work for the next 2 days. B will work on day 3 and day 4.
A will continue for the next 2 days. i.e., on day 5 and day 6.
B will work on day 7 and day 8.
A will for the last 2 days i.e., day 9 and day 10.
Therefore, A will work on day 1, day 2, day 5, day 6, day 9, and day 10. i.e., for 6 days.
And B will work on day 3, day 4, day 7, and day 8. i.e., for 4 days.
In 6 days A will complete 6/a of the task.
In 4 days B will complete 4/a of the task.
With A working 6 days and B working 4 days, the task is completed.
If B starts, they finish the task they take half a day more. i.e., 10.5 days.Therefore, B will work on day 1, day 2, day 5, day 6, day 9, and day 10. i.e., for 6 days.
And A will work on day 3, day 4, day 7, day 8 and half a day on day 11. i.e., for 4.5 days.
In 6 days B will complete 6/b of the task.
In 4 days A will complete 4.5/a of the task.
With B working 6 days and A working 4.5 days, the task is completed.
Step 2: Solve the two equationsSolving the two equations we get a = 9 days and b = 12 days.
The question: How long does it take to complete the task if they both work together?Working together A and B will complete
th of the task in a day.
Hence, they will complete the task in 36/7 days.
Choice D is the correct answer.