word problem

[jalshri]

A certain plastic cup is manufactured by a robot. If 5 such robots, working at the same individual rate, can manufacture a combined total of 5 cups in 5 seconds, how many seconds will it take 25 machines to manufacture a total of 25 cups?
ans:5

[nareshchowdary28]

I think not only 25 machines by 25 robots but even 10 machines by 10 robots also will be done in 5 seconds. because 5 seconds is the time that each robot is taking to make a machine.

so 1 robot - 1 machine - 5 seconds
25 robots - 25 machines - 5 seconds.

Hope that helps.

[tommywallach]

Hey Jalshri,

When you post a question, let us know what about it has you confused, just so we can tailor our response.

That being said, Naresh's explanation is spot on. One equation that can help you is a slight variation on the classic R * T = W:

Individual Rate * # of Workers * Time = Work

This equation allows you to separate out the workers. So for your question

Individual Rate * # of Workers * Time = Work

x 5 5 5

In this case, we solve that x = 1/5. Then we can use that going forward:

Individual Rate * # of Workers * Time = Work

1/5 25 x 25

Now when we solve, we can see that time = 5.

Hope that helps!

-t