A and B can do a piece of work separately in 8 and 12 h. If they work alternate hours, A starting, when will the work be finished?

(A + B +)'s 2 h work = 1/8 + 1/12 = 5/24
(A + B)'s 8 h work = (5 x 8)/(24 x 2) = 5/6
Work done by A in 9th h = 1/8
Total work done upto 9th h = 5/6 + 1/8 = 23/24
Remaining wok = 1/24
B's 1 h work = 1/12
B can do 1/24 of the work = (1/24) x 12 = 1/2 h
So, both can finish the job in 9¹/₂ h.