After initial teamwork, B completes the remainder: A and B together complete a job in 24 days. A alone can complete it in 32 days. Both work together for 8 days and then A leaves. How many days will B take to finish the remaining work?
Correct Answer: 64 days
Introduction / Context:Use A’s solo time and the joint time to infer B’s rate, then apply it to the remaining fraction after the initial collaboration.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- A + B = 1/24 per day.
- A = 1/32 per day ⇒ B = 1/24 − 1/32 = 1/96 per day.
- First 8 days: both together.
Concept / Approach:Compute initial completed portion, then divide the remainder by B’s rate.
Step-by-Step Solution:Work in first 8 days = 8 * (1/24) = 1/3.Remaining work = 1 − 1/3 = 2/3.B alone time = (2/3) / (1/96) = 64 days.
Verification / Alternative check:Rough check: B is slow (96 days alone), so 2/3 of the job indeed needs about 64 days.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:16, 32, 48, and 40 days misapply either the initial 8-day contribution or B’s rate.
Common Pitfalls:Subtracting times rather than rates; ignoring that only 1/3 was done initially.
Final Answer:64 days