# [SOLVED] Finding the rate in an Algebra 1 Work Word Problem

• November 11th 2007, 02:50 PM
momokitty2
[SOLVED] Finding the rate in an Algebra 1 Work Word Problem
Working together, Paul and Daniel can pick forty bushels of apples in 4.95 hours. Had he done it alone it would have taken Daniel 9 hours. Find how long it would take Paul to do it alone.

Equation > 4.95/9 + 4.95/x = 1

I know how to set-up the equation, but I just don't know how to solve it.
• November 11th 2007, 03:12 PM
Jhevon
Quote:

Originally Posted by momokitty2
Working together, Paul and Daniel can pick forty bushels of apples in 4.95 hours. Had he done it alone it would have taken Daniel 9 hours. Find how long it would take Paul to do it alone.

Equation > 4.95/9 + 4.95/x = 1

I know how to set-up the equation, but I just don't know how to solve it.

get the x's one one side of the equation:

$\Rightarrow \frac {4.95}{x} = 1 - \frac {4.95}9$

$\Rightarrow \frac {4.95}x = \frac {4.05}9$

now flip both sides:

$\Rightarrow \frac x{4.95} = \frac 9{4.05}$

now multiply both sides by 4.95

$\Rightarrow x = 4.95 \cdot \frac 9{4.05}$

and simplify