Solving Work Rate Problems on the GMAT: Equations and Examples

TLDRLearn how to solve work rate problems on the GMAT by understanding the two key equations and applying them to solve example problems. The first equation is work = rate * time, and the second equation is the combined rate equation, which states that the combined rate of multiple entities working together is the sum of their individual rates. By using these equations and solving for missing variables, you can determine the time it takes for multiple entities to complete a task.

Key insights

⚙️Work rate problems on the GMAT involve two main equations: work = rate * time and the combined rate equation.

🔢The first equation, work = rate * time, allows you to solve for the missing variable (rate, time, or work) when you have the other two variables.

✖️The combined rate equation states that the combined rate of multiple entities working together is the sum of their individual rates.

📚To solve work rate problems, break the problem into phases, calculate rates and times for each phase, and use the equations to solve for the missing variables.

⌛By applying the equations and solving for missing variables, you can determine the time it takes for multiple entities to complete a task.

Q&A

What are the two key equations for solving work rate problems on the GMAT?

—The two key equations for solving work rate problems are work = rate * time and the combined rate equation.

How can the work = rate * time equation be used to solve work rate problems?

—The work = rate * time equation allows you to solve for the missing variable (rate, time, or work) when you have the other two variables.

What does the combined rate equation state?

—The combined rate equation states that the combined rate of multiple entities working together is the sum of their individual rates.

How can work rate problems be solved using phases?

—To solve work rate problems, break the problem into phases, calculate rates and times for each phase, and use the equations to solve for the missing variables.

What can be determined by solving work rate problems?

—By applying the equations and solving for missing variables, you can determine the time it takes for multiple entities to complete a task.

Timestamped Summary

00:00This video provides an overview of how to solve work rate problems on the GMAT by using two key equations.

00:09The first equation is work = rate * time, which allows you to solve for the missing variable when you have the other two variables.

00:39The second equation is the combined rate equation, which states that the combined rate of multiple entities working together is the sum of their individual rates.

01:20To solve work rate problems, break the problem into phases, calculate rates and times for each phase, and use the equations to solve for the missing variables.

03:37By applying the equations and solving for missing variables, you can determine the time it takes for multiple entities to complete a task.

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