Work and Time – Key Formulas & Short Notes
1■■ Basic Concept
If a person can complete a work in D days, then Work done in 1 day = 1 / D
Example: A alone can finish a work in 10 days → A’s 1 day work = 1/10
2■■ When Two Persons Work Together
If A’s 1 day work = 1/A and B’s 1 day work = 1/B
Then, A + B’s 1 day work = (1/A + 1/B)
Time to finish work = 1 ÷ (1/A + 1/B)
3■■ When Three Persons Work Together
A’s 1 day work = 1/A, B’s = 1/B, C’s = 1/C
Then, A + B + C’s 1 day work = (1/A + 1/B + 1/C)
Total time = 1 ÷ (1/A + 1/B + 1/C)
4■■ When One Person Leaves After Some Days
If A, B, and C work together for x days, and then C leaves:
Step 1: Work done in x days = x × (1/A + 1/B + 1/C)
Step 2: Remaining work = 1 – (Work done)
Step 3: A and B’s 1 day work = (1/A + 1/B)
Step 4: Time for remaining work = (Remaining work) ÷ (A+B’s 1 day work)
5■■ Fraction of Work Done
If some part of work is completed,
Completed work = (Fraction completed × Total work)
Remaining work = (1 – Fraction completed)
6■■ LCM (Shortcut) Method
Take LCM of given days → assume it as Total Work.
Each person’s 1 day work = LCM ÷ (their days).
Example: A = 10 days, B = 15 days → LCM = 30 units → A=3 units/day, B=2 units/day,
Together=5 units/day → 6 days total.
7■■ Efficiency Method
If ratio of time taken by A and B = a : b → ratio of efficiency = b : a
Because Work = Time × Efficiency (inversely proportional).
■ Quick Tips
■ Assume Total Work = 1 (or LCM)
■ Handle ‘leaves after few days’ carefully
■ Convert everything into ‘1 day’s work’
■ Use efficiency ratios when comparing persons.