$P$ can do a work in $25$ days and $Q$ in $20$ days. They work alternately starting with $P$. The work will…

$P$ can do a work in $25$ days and $Q$ in $20$ days. They work alternately starting with $P$. The work will be completed in:
  1. $22$ days
  2. $22\dfrac{1}{4}$ days
  3. $22\dfrac{1}{2}$ days
  4. $23$ days

Solution

In $2$ days they do $\dfrac{1}{25} + \dfrac{1}{20} = \dfrac{4 + 5}{100} = \dfrac{9}{100}$. In $11$ pairs ($22$ days) they do $\dfrac{99}{100}$. Remaining $\dfrac{1}{100}$ done by $P$ on day $23$ in $\dfrac{1/100}{1/25} = \dfrac{1}{4}$ day. Total $= 22 + \dfrac{1}{4} = 22\dfrac{1}{4}$ days.

Asked in: IMO

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