A pipe 'P' can fill a tank in 20 hours and another pipe 'Q' in 30 hours. If both pipes are opened in an empty tank, how much time will they take to fill it?
Show Hint
Total time = $\frac{xy}{x+y} = \frac{20 \times 30}{20 + 30}$.
Step 1: Concept
Time and Work (Pipes and Cisterns).
Step 2: Analysis
Rate of P = $1/20$ per hour. Rate of Q = $1/30$ per hour.
Step 3: Calculation
Combined rate = $\frac{1}{20} + \frac{1}{30} = \frac{3+2}{60} = \frac{5}{60} = \frac{1}{12}$.
Time taken = 12 hours.
Step 4: Conclusion
Both pipes together will fill the tank in 12 hours.
Final Answer: (A)