Problem 34 of 35alg-034
The time to fill a tank varies inversely with the flow rate of the pump. At 12 gallons per minute, it takes 30 minutes. How many minutes does it take at 18 gallons per minute?
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Solution walkthrough1:38
- Varies inversely means the product stays the same: rate time . Here is the size of the tank.
- Use the pair we know: . The tank holds gallons.
- The new pump must move the same gallons: .
- Divide both sides by : minutes.
- Traps: treats it as direct variation, and and subtract or add the extra gallons per minute.