Question

A winery has a barrel to hold chardonnay. An inlet pipe can fill the barrel in 8 hours, while an outlet pipe can empty the barrel in 12 hours. How many hours would it

take to fill the barrel if both the inlet and outlet pipes are open? Express your answer as a fraction reduced to lowest terms, if needed.

Answer 1

24 hr

Explanation:

Rate in = 1 bbl / 8hr

Rate out = - 1 bbl /12 hr

Combine the two for 1 bbl (this assumes the barrel starts empty)

1 / ( 1/8 - 1/12) = 24 hr