The Time to Complete the Route Together

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 136 views

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the world of mathematics and explore a classic problem involving two brothers, L. Andrew and Bran, who are tasked with completing a newspaper route. We will examine the individual and combined work rates of the brothers and determine which function correctly describes their ability to complete the route together.

The Problem

L. Andrew can complete his newspaper route by himself in 3 hours. Bran can complete the newspaper route in $$x$$ hours. Together, the brothers can complete the route in $$h$$ hours. We are tasked with finding the function that correctly describes their combined work rate.

Understanding Work Rate

Work rate is a measure of how much work an individual or group can complete in a given amount of time. In this case, we are dealing with two brothers who have different work rates. L. Andrew can complete the route in 3 hours, which means his work rate is $$\frac{1}{3}$$ of the route per hour. Bran can complete the route in $$x$$ hours, so his work rate is $$\frac{1}{x}$$ of the route per hour.

The Combined Work Rate

When the brothers work together, their combined work rate is the sum of their individual work rates. This is because they are working simultaneously and completing the route at the same time. Therefore, the combined work rate of L. Andrew and Bran is $$\frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{x}$$ of the route per hour.

The Time to Complete the Route Together

We are given that the brothers can complete the route together in $$h$$ hours. This means that their combined work rate is $$\frac{1}{h}$$ of the route per hour. We can set up an equation to represent this situation:

\frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{x} = \frac{1}{h}

Solving for x

To solve for $$x$$, we can start by multiplying both sides of the equation by $$3xh$$ to eliminate the fractions:

xh + 3h = 3x

Next, we can rearrange the terms to get:

xh - 3x = -3h

Factoring out $$x$$, we get:

x(h - 3) = -3h

Dividing both sides by $$(h - 3)$$, we get:

x = \frac{-3h}{h - 3}

The Correct Function

The function that correctly describes the combined work rate of L. Andrew and Bran is:

\frac{1}{h} = \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{x}

Substituting the expression for $$x$$, we get:

\frac{1}{h} = \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{\frac{-3h}{h - 3}}

Simplifying the expression, we get:

\frac{1}{h} = \frac{1}{3} - \frac{3}{h - 3}

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the problem of two brothers, L. Andrew and Bran, who are tasked with completing a newspaper route. We have examined their individual and combined work rates and determined the function that correctly describes their ability to complete the route together. The correct function is:

\frac{1}{h} = \frac{1}{3} - \frac{3}{h - 3}

This function represents the combined work rate of L. Andrew and Bran and can be used to determine the time it takes for them to complete the route together.

References

[1] "Work Rate" by Khan Academy
[2] "Combined Work Rate" by Math Open Reference

Additional Resources

[1] "Work Rate Problems" by Mathway
[2] "Combined Work Rate Problems" by IXL
Frequently Asked Questions: The Mysterious Case of the Newspaper Route ====================================================================

Q: What is the work rate of L. Andrew?

A: L. Andrew's work rate is $$\frac{1}{3}$$ of the route per hour, which means he can complete the route in 3 hours.

Q: What is the work rate of Bran?

A: Bran's work rate is $$\frac{1}{x}$$ of the route per hour, where $$x$$ is the number of hours it takes him to complete the route.

Q: What is the combined work rate of L. Andrew and Bran?

A: The combined work rate of L. Andrew and Bran is $$\frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{x}$$ of the route per hour.

Q: How long does it take for L. Andrew and Bran to complete the route together?

A: It takes them $$h$$ hours to complete the route together.

Q: What is the correct function that describes the combined work rate of L. Andrew and Bran?

A: The correct function is:

\frac{1}{h} = \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{x}

Substituting the expression for $$x$$, we get:

\frac{1}{h} = \frac{1}{3} - \frac{3}{h - 3}

Q: How do I solve for x in the equation?

A: To solve for $$x$$, you can start by multiplying both sides of the equation by $$3xh$$ to eliminate the fractions. Then, you can rearrange the terms and factor out $$x$$ to get:

x = \frac{-3h}{h - 3}

Q: What is the significance of the work rate in this problem?

A: The work rate is a measure of how much work an individual or group can complete in a given amount of time. In this problem, the work rate is used to determine the time it takes for L. Andrew and Bran to complete the route together.

Q: Can I use this problem to solve other work rate problems?

A: Yes, this problem can be used as a model to solve other work rate problems. By substituting different values for the work rates and times, you can create a variety of problems to practice and apply your skills.

Q: What are some real-world applications of work rate problems?

A: Work rate problems have many real-world applications, such as:

Determining the time it takes for a team to complete a project
Calculating the cost of labor for a construction project
Evaluating the efficiency of a manufacturing process
Planning a schedule for a group of people to complete a task

Q: How can I practice solving work rate problems?

A: You can practice solving work rate problems by:

Using online resources, such as math websites and apps
Working with a tutor or teacher to create customized problems
Creating your own problems using real-world scenarios
Joining a study group or math club to practice with others

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving work rate problems?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving work rate problems include:

Not reading the problem carefully and understanding the work rates and times
Not using the correct formula or equation
Not checking your work for errors
Not considering the units and dimensions of the problem

Q: How can I improve my skills in solving work rate problems?

A: You can improve your skills in solving work rate problems by:

Practicing regularly and consistently
Reviewing and reinforcing your understanding of the concepts and formulas
Seeking help from a tutor or teacher when needed
Applying your skills to real-world scenarios and problems.