Let x be the number of hours it takes Ron working alone = 1/x = rate
Then x + 1.2 = the number of hours that Harold takes to finish the job alone = 1/ ( x + 1.2) = rate
So rate * time = 1 whole job done....so....
1.8 ( 1/x) + 1.8 (1/ ( x + 1.2) ) = 1
1.8 1.8
___ + ______ = 1 simplify
x x + 1.2
1.8 ( x + 1.2 + x) = x ( x + 1.2)
2.16 + 3.6x = x^2 + 1.2x rearrange as
x^2 - 2.4x - 2.16 = 0
Using the quad formula
x = 2.4 + sqrt (2.4^2 - 4 (1)(-2.16) ) ≈
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2
3.09 hrs = 3.1 hrs for Ron working alone
