1. One day’s work: turn time into progress
In about 6 minutes, learn to find work done in one day. Use paper if helpful. There is no countdown; take the time you need.
These five lessons cover the basics of Time and Work. Start with lessons 1–4. Keep lesson 5 for your next sitting, ideally tomorrow.
In these questions, rates stay constant, the job is the same, and workers’ contributions add without interfering. A “day” means the same working time for everyone.
First, try one
A finishes a job in 6 days at a constant rate. How much of the job is done in one day?
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Correct answer: B
Six equal daily portions make one job, so one day completes 1/6.
Option A: 6 is the number of days, not jobs per day.
Option C: The work is spread across 6 days, not 5.
Option D: The whole job takes 6 days.
Hint: Split the job into six equal daily portions.
Picture the job in equal parts
Imagine a wall split into six equal sections. A paints one section each day.
| Day | Sections done | Sections left |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 of 6 | 5 of 6 |
| 3 | 3 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| 6 | 6 of 6 | 0 |
Make the numbers easier
Label the same whole job as 12 work-units instead. A does 2 units/day. Units are a counting aid, not a claim about actual bricks or wall size. Changing units does not change the time.
Watch: a 12-unit job finished in 6 days
- Total work = 12 units.
- Daily work = 12 ÷ 6 = 2 units/day.
- In 3 days, work completed = 2 × 3 = 6 units, half the job.
Finish with help
A job is represented by 15 work-units. A finishes it in 5 days. What is the daily work?
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Correct answer: C
Daily work = 15 ÷ 5 = 3 units/day.
Option A: 5 is the time, not daily work.
Option B: Divide work by days; do not multiply.
Option D: The chosen whole is 15 units, not one unit.
Hint: Divide total work by the number of days.
Now on your own
Write an answer before tapping an option. Mark “sure” or “guess” on paper.
A 24-unit job takes 8 days. What is the daily work?
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Correct answer: A
24 ÷ 8 = 3. Check: 3 × 8 = 24.
Option B: 8 is the time.
Option C: Work per day requires division.
Option D: The total units are not the number of days.
Hint: Daily work × 8 must give 24.
A finishes a job in 10 days. At the same rate, what fraction is completed in 3 days?
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Correct answer: D
One day gives 1/10; three days give 3 × 1/10 = 3/10.
Option A: Multiply daily work by days worked.
Option B: Three days is not three complete jobs.
Option C: 7/10 is work left, not work completed.
Hint: Start with one day’s work.
Say it from memory: daily work = total work ÷ days. Work completed = daily work × days worked. If you needed help, try that step again on blank paper.
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