Collaborative Work Problem Quiz

If Dan can shovel a driveway in 30 minutes and Jay in 20 minutes, what is the problem asking you to find?

• The average time of both shoveling alone

• The time it takes for both to shovel together

• The time it takes for Jay to shovel alone

• The time it takes for Dan to shovel alone

Why is averaging the times of Dan and Jay incorrect for finding the combined time?

• Because averaging is only for addition problems

• Because it doesn't account for the difference in their speeds

• Because the combined time must be less than the fastest individual time

• Because averaging only works for identical tasks

What is the first step recommended for solving any math word problem?

• Use a calculator immediately

• Read the problem at least three times

• Write down all known formulas

• Guess the answer based on intuition

What type of problem is the shoveling task classified as in algebra?

• An algebra work word problem

• A probability problem

• A quadratic equation problem

• A linear equation problem

What is the formula used to find the time it takes for two people working together?

• 1/T = P1 - P2

• T = P1 * P2

• T = P1 + P2

• 1/T = 1/P1 + 1/P2

In the formula 1/T = 1/P1 + 1/P2, what does T represent?

• The combined time for both to complete the task

• The average time of both working alone

• The time it takes for one person to complete the task

• The difference in time between the two

What is the lowest common denominator used in the algebraic solution?

• 20

• 60

• 30

• 50

What is the final step in solving the equation for T?

• Multiply both sides by the lowest common denominator

• Divide both sides by 5

• Add the fractions

• Subtract the smaller fraction from the larger

What is the correct combined time for Dan and Jay to shovel the driveway together?

• 20 minutes

• 12 minutes

• 15 minutes

• 25 minutes

Why is it important to be familiar with the algebraic formula for work problems?

• Because it is a requirement for all math courses

• Because it is the only way to solve any math problem

• Because work problems can become complex

• Because it simplifies all types of math problems