16Hit1600
AlgebraHardTime to reach zero from two readings

Algebra practice question

A water butt held 80 litres at 6 a.m. and 50 litres at noon, draining at a constant rate. At what time will it be empty?

  1. A. 10 p.m.Correct
  2. B. 6 p.m.
  3. C. midnight
  4. D. 4 p.m.

Answer: A. 10 p.m.

30 litres in 6 hours is 5 litres per hour. From 80 litres at 6 a.m., emptying takes 16 hours: 10 p.m.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 6 p.m.
6 p.m. is 12 hours on, when 20 litres remain.
C. midnight
Midnight is 18 hours on, past empty.
D. 4 p.m.
4 p.m. is 10 hours on, when 30 litres remain.

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