Question

Tom works at an aquarium shop on Saturdays. One Saturday, when Tom gets to work, he is asked to empty a large reef tank. After 2 hours, there were 125 gallons remaining and after 5 hours there were 50 gallons remaining. How many gallons are draining per hour?

Answer 1

To find how many gallons are draining per hour from the reef tank, we can use the information provided.

First, calculate the change in the number of gallons from the 2-hour mark to the 5-hour mark:

Change in gallons = (Gallons at 2 hours) - (Gallons at 5 hours)
Change in gallons = 125 gallons - 50 gallons
Change in gallons = 75 gallons

Now, we know that this change occurred over a 3-hour period (from 2 hours to 5 hours). To find the rate at which gallons are draining per hour, divide the change in gallons by the time period:

Drain rate per hour = Change in gallons / Time (hours)
Drain rate per hour = 75 gallons / 3 hours

Drain rate per hour = 25 gallons/hour

So, the reef tank is draining at a rate of 25 gallons per hour.