How Do You Solve Combined Labor Problems?
• Calculate for each of the workers (Tommy and Winnie in the sample problem) their individual work rate. To do this, simply find the reciprocal of the time it takes that worker to do the whole job alone. In the sample problem, Tommy’s individual work rate (T) is 1/3, while Winnie’s individual work rate (W) is 1/4. • Calculate their combined work rate. This is their work rate when they work together as a team. In the sample problem, their combined work rate (C) is T+W=1/3+1/4=7/12. Calculate the time it will take the workers to paint the room working together.This is simply the reciprocal of their combined work rate: 1/C=12/7 hours.
