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AlgebraHardTank contents from a steady leak

Algebra practice question

A tank leaks at a constant rate. It held 500 litres at 8:00 a.m. and 380 litres at 10:00 a.m. How many litres will it hold at noon?

Answer: 260

The rate is 120 litres per 2 hours, or 60 per hour. From 10:00 to noon it loses another 120: 380 − 120 = 260.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 140
140 subtracts 240 from 380, doubling the two-hour loss.
If you answered 200
200 subtracts 180, using three hours.
If you answered 320
320 subtracts 60 once.

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