A and B can do a piece of work in 72 days; B and C can do it in 120 days; A and C can do it in 90 days. In what time can A alone do it ?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
Let the daily work rates of A, B, and C be $a, b,$ and $c$, respectively.
Given:
$a + b = \frac{1}{72}$
$b + c = \frac{1}{120}$
$a + c = \frac{1}{90}$
Adding all three equations:
$2(a + b + c) = \frac{1}{72} + \frac{1}{120} + \frac{1}{90}$
Taking LCM = 360:
$2(a + b + c) = \frac{5 + 3 + 4}{360} = \frac{12}{360} = \frac{1}{30}$
$a + b + c = \frac{1}{60}$
Now,
$a = (a + b + c) - (b + c) = \frac{1}{60} - \frac{1}{120} = \frac{1}{120}$
Hence, A alone can complete the work in: $\frac{1}{120}$