A stenographer has been asked to fill out 500 forms. She fills 25 forms by the end of half an hour. When she is joined by another stenographer who fills the form at the rate of 45 forms per hour. The entire assignment will be carried out in:

A stenographer has been asked to fill out 500 forms. She fills 25 forms by the end of half an hour. When she is joined by another stenographer who fills the form at the rate of 45 forms per hour. The entire assignment will be carried out in:
Answer: 5 ½ hours

The first stenographer’s rate is 25 forms per 0.5 hours = 50 forms/hour. Combined rate with the second stenographer = 50 + 45 = 95 forms/hour. Remaining forms = 500 - 25 = 475. Time to complete = 475/95 = 5 hours. Total time = 0.5 + 5 = 5.5 hours. Studying this enhances work-rate problem-solving skills.