Machine Z takes 2 more hours than machine B to make 20 widgets. If working together, the machines can make 25 widgets in 3 hours, how long will it take machine Z to make 40 widgets?
Pick
A) 5  B) 6  C) 8  D) 10  E) 12

Rationale: i approached this one by plugging in numbers . . . started with c . if 40 are made in 8 hours , then 20 are made in 4 hours . so time of z is 4 , and time of b is 2 . rate together : 20 / 4 + 20 / 2 = 5 + 10 = 15 . so in 1 hour , together make 15 widgets . in 3 hours = 45 . way too much . we can eliminate right away c , b , and a - because b and a reduces the time - the total # of widgets made will be even higher . now between d and e - > try only one . . if it does n ' t work , then the other one is the answer . i picked e : 12 h to make 40 widgets , and 6 hours to make 20 . this is the time of z . time of b = 4 hours . 20 / 6 + 20 / 4 = 10 / 3 + 20 / 4 find lcm of 3 and 4 = 12 . multiply first by 4 , and second by 3 : 40 + 60 / 12 = 100 / 12 divide by 4 : 25 / 3 so this is the rate given . e is the correct answer
Answer: E