An oil tank can be filled by pipe X in 5 hours and pipe Y in 4 hours, each pump working on its own. When the oil tank is full and the drainage hole is open, the oil is drained in 20 hours

Q. An oil tank can be filled by pipe X in 5 hours and pipe Y in 4 hours, each pump working on its own. When the oil tank is full and the drainage hole is open, the oil is drained in 20 hours. If initially the tank was empty and someone started the two pumps together but left the drainage hole open, how many hours will it take for the tank to be filled? (Assume that the rate of drainage is independent of the Head)

(A) 1.50

(B) 2.00

(C) 2.50

(D) 4.00

Ans: 2.50

Solution:

Let inlet pipes, A = 4 hours
B = 5 hours

outlet pipe, C = 20 hours

In 1 hour (A + B + C) can fill
=1/4+1/5−1/20=8/20=2/5

(A + B + C) together
=5/2=2.5 hours