Math Practice Problems - Work Word Problems

Work Word Problems - Sample Math Practice Problems

The math problems below can be generated by MathScore.com, a math practice program for schools and individual families. References to complexity and mode refer to the overall difficulty of the problems as they appear in the main program. In the main program, all problems are automatically graded and the difficulty adapts dynamically based on performance. Answers to these sample questions appear at the bottom of the page. This page does not grade your responses.

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Complexity=1, Mode=man-hours

Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.

If 8 workers can build a fence in 6 hours, how many workers would it have taken to do it in 2 hours?
workers

If 4 workers can plant a garden in 15 hours, how many workers would it have taken to do it in 3 hours?
workers

Complexity=1, Mode=hours

Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.

Miguel and Jose take 3³/₄ hours to do a job. Jose alone takes 10 hours to do the same job. How long would it take Miguel to do the same job alone?
hours

One pipe can empty a tank in 2 hours. Another pipe can fill the tank in 8 hours. Starting with a full tank, if we turn on both pipes, how many hours will it take to empty the tank?
hours

Complexity=1, Mode=rates

Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.

Miguel works 3 times faster than Steven. Together, they do a job in 9 hours. How long does it take Steven working alone to do the same job?
hours

Cindy works 4 times faster than Peter. Together, they do a job in 12 hours. How long does it take Peter working alone to do the same job?
hours

Complexity=1, Mode=mixed

Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.

Cindy works 3.5 times faster than Mike. Together, they do a job in 17.5 hours. How long does it take Cindy working alone to do the same job?
hours

Peter works 3 times faster than Paul. Together, they do a job in 9 hours. How long does it take Paul working alone to do the same job?
hours

Answers

Complexity=1, Mode=man-hours

Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.

Problem

Correct Answer

Your Answer

If 8 workers can build a fence in 6 hours, how many workers would it have taken to do it in 2 hours?

workers

Solution
Let x be the number of workers it would have taken.

(8 workers)(6 hours)	=	(2 hours)x
48 worker-hours	=	2x hours
24 workers	=	x

Problem

Correct Answer

Your Answer

If 4 workers can plant a garden in 15 hours, how many workers would it have taken to do it in 3 hours?

workers

Solution
Let x be the number of workers it would have taken.

(4 workers)(15 hours)	=	(3 hours)x
60 worker-hours	=	3x hours
20 workers	=	x

Complexity=1, Mode=hours

Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.

Problem

Correct Answer

Your Answer

Miguel and Jose take 3³/₄ hours to do a job. Jose alone takes 10 hours to do the same job. How long would it take Miguel to do the same job alone?

hours

Solution
Let t = number of hours for Miguel working alone

1 job

10 hours

1 job

3³/₄ hours

Answer: t = 6 hours

Problem

Correct Answer

Your Answer

One pipe can empty a tank in 2 hours. Another pipe can fill the tank in 8 hours. Starting with a full tank, if we turn on both pipes, how many hours will it take to empty the tank?

hours

Solution
Let t = number of hours working together

1 tank

2 hours

1 tank

8 hours

1 tank

Answer: t = ⁸/₃ hours

Complexity=1, Mode=rates

Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.

Problem

Correct Answer

Your Answer

Miguel works 3 times faster than Steven. Together, they do a job in 9 hours. How long does it take Steven working alone to do the same job?

hours

Solution
Let f = number of hours it takes Miguel working alone
and 3f = number of hours it takes Steven working alone

1 job

9 hours

Solve for f to get f = 12 hours
Working alone, Steven takes 3f.
Answer: 3f = 36 hours

Problem

Correct Answer

Your Answer

Cindy works 4 times faster than Peter. Together, they do a job in 12 hours. How long does it take Peter working alone to do the same job?

hours

Solution
Let f = number of hours it takes Cindy working alone
and 4f = number of hours it takes Peter working alone

1 job

12 hours

Solve for f to get f = 15 hours
Working alone, Peter takes 4f.
Answer: 4f = 60 hours

Complexity=1, Mode=mixed

Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.

Problem

Correct Answer

Your Answer

Cindy works 3.5 times faster than Mike. Together, they do a job in 17.5 hours. How long does it take Cindy working alone to do the same job?

hours

Solution
Let f = number of hours it takes Cindy working alone
and 3.5f = number of hours it takes Mike working alone

1 job

3.5f

1 job

17.5 hours

Solve for f to get f = 22.5 hours
Working alone, Cindy takes f.
Answer: f = 22.5 hours

Problem

Correct Answer

Your Answer

Peter works 3 times faster than Paul. Together, they do a job in 9 hours. How long does it take Paul working alone to do the same job?

hours

Solution
Let f = number of hours it takes Peter working alone
and 3f = number of hours it takes Paul working alone

1 job

9 hours

Solve for f to get f = 12 hours
Working alone, Paul takes 3f.
Answer: 3f = 36 hours

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