Two companies working together can clear a parcel of land in 24 hours. Working alone, it would take Company A 10 hours longer to clear the land than it would Company B. How long would it take Company B to clear the parcel of land alone

43 hours 31 minutes

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the time it takes Company B=x

Company B's Work Rate=1/x

It would take Company A 10 hours longer, Time for A=x+10

Company A's Work Rate=1 / (x+10)

The two companies working together can clear a parcel of land in 24 hours.

Their joint work rate=1/24

Therefore:

1/x + 1 / (x+10) = 1/24

Taking L. C. M

(x+10+x) / (x (x+10)) = 1/24

(2x+10) / (x²+10x)) = 1/24

On Cross multiplication

24 (2x+10) = x²+10x

48x+240=x²+10x

x²+10x-48x-240=0

x²-38x-240=0

x = - 5.52 or 43.52

Since x>0

x = 43.52 hours

= 43 hours 31 minutes

It would take Company B 43 hours 31 minutes to clear the parcel of land.