Every hour, the first pipe fills 1/2 of the pool and the second fills 1/3 of the pool.

Every hour, the first pipe fills 1/2 of the pool and the second fills 1/3 of the pool. How long does it take for both pipes to fill the pool?

1) Determine which part of the pool 2 pipes will fill in an hour when working together:

1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6 (parts) – 2 pipes in 1 hour.

2) Find out how long it takes two pipes to fill the pool:

1: 5/6 = 1 × 6/5 = 6/5 = 1 1/5 (hours) – needed to fill the pool.

Answer: Two pipes will fill the pool in 1 1/5 hours.