Two People, One Job — How Long Does It Take? Looks Easy… But Almost Everyone Gets It Wrong

In this video, we solve a classic work-rate word problem:
• Dave can mow the lawn in 50 minutes
• Ed can mow the lawn in 40 minutes
• How long does it take if they work together?
This problem looks simple, but many people make a common mistake by adding times instead of rates. In this lesson, we explain the correct way to think about work problems and why guessing doesn’t work.
This type of question appears in Algebra 1, college placement exams, GED, HiSET, ASVAB, ACCUPLACER, SAT, ACT, and teacher certification tests. It’s also a great example of how math applies to real-life situations.
Before watching — what would you guess?
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⭐ What You’ll Learn
• Why you can’t add times directly
• How work-rate problems really work
• A clean, logical setup that always works
• Common mistakes people make
• A strategy that applies to many real-life problems
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⭐ Who This Video Is For
• Curious problem solvers
• Middle & high school students
• Algebra students
• GED, HiSET, ASVAB, ACCUPLACER prep
• Teacher certification candidates
• Adults relearning math fundamentals
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