A pipe can fill a cistern in 12 minutes and another pipe can fill it in 15 minutes, but a third pipe can empty it in 6 minutes. The first two pipes are kept open for 5 minutes in the beginning and then third pipe is also opened. In what time is the cistern emptied?
Correct Answer: 45 min.
Explanation:
Part filled in 5 min. = 5 x (1/12 + 1/15) = 5 x 9/60 = 3/4 Part emptied in 1 min. (when all the pipes are opened) = 1/6 - (1/12 + 1/15) = (1/6 - 3/20) = 1/60 Now, 1/60 part is emptied in 1 min. 3/4 part will be emptied in (60 x 3/4) = 45 min.
