Algebra
Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with
elementary equations and analysis. It involves solution from elementary
equations to abstract problems. Elementary algebra is applied in engineering,
sciences, economics and medicine. Abstract algebra, on the other hand, is
studied by professional mathematicians and includes in-depth analysis of the
theorems and postulates in mathematics. Algebra is different from arithmetic
since the former uses abstraction, such as letters to represent numbers and
values while the latter simply deals with numbers and its operations (such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). However, algebra problems
involve the use of arithmetic techniques to be solved.
Problem
EJ can complete an experiment on ethanol production in
24 hours. Lhav can perform the same experiment in 12 hours while Klang requires
5 hours. If EJ, Lhav and Klang work together, how long will it take for them to
complete the experiment? If the presentation of the data gathered is in 4
hours, will they be able to finish the experiment and present the data on time?
Solution
Let
r be the rate of each person in performing the experiment.
Let
t be the time to complete the experiment in hours
Therefore, if EJ, Lhav
and Klang work together, they can finish the experiment in 3 hours and 4.62
minutes. They will also be able to present the results of the experiment on
time.
