One simple technique is using days in denominator while solving questions. For example, A can do a job in 3 days and B can do the same job in 6 days. In how much time they can do the job together.
Solution - 1/3 + 1/6 = 1/2, hence 2 days is the answer.
Examiner can set the question in opposite way and can ask you how much time A or B alone will take to complete the job. It is quite easy to calculate said question by putting values in equation we arrived in above question.
You need to understand one simple concept - If A can do a job in 10 day then in one day A can do 1/10th of job.
You need to understand one simple concept - If A can do a job in 10 day then in one day A can do 1/10th of job.
Shortcut
Best trick that I use in exams myself is by finding the efficiency of workers in percent. If A can do a job in 2 days then he can do 50% in a day.
| Number of days required to complete the work | Work that can be done per day | Efficiency in Percent |
|---|---|---|
| n | 1/n | 100/n |
| 1 | 1/1 | 100% |
| 2 | 1/2 | 50% |
| 3 | 1/3 | 33.33% |
| 4 | 1/4 | 25% |
| 5 | 1/5 | 20% |
| 6 | 1/6 | 16.66% |
| 7 | 1/7 | 14.28% |
| 8 | 1/8 | 12.5% |
| 9 | 1/9 | 11.11% |
| 10 | 1/10 | 10% |
| 11 | 1/11 | 9.09% |