A pipe P can fill a tank in 12 min and another pipe R can fill it in 15 min. But, the 3rd pipe M can empty it in 6 min. The 1st two pipes P and R are kept open for double the 2.5 min in beginning and then the 3rd pipe is also opened. In what time is the tank emptied?

According to the question,
Double the 2.5 min = 5 min
Now, part filled in 5 min = 5 x ( 1/12 + 1/15 ) = [5 x ( 5 + 4)]/60 = (5 x 9)/60 = 3/4
Part emptied in 1 min when P, R and M, all are opened. = 1/6 - ( 1/12 + 1/5 ) = 1/6 - (5 + 4)/60 = 1/60
One - sixtieth part is emptied in 1 min.
∴ Three - fourth part will be emptied in 60 x (3/4) = 15 x 3 = 45 min.