Answer: (D) 3.21
Step-by-step explanation:
Let [tex]t_A=[/tex] Time taken by one outlet to fill the pool.
[tex]t_B=[/tex]Time taken by second outlet to fill the pool.
Given : The time taken by one outlet to fill the entire pool : [tex]t_A=[/tex] 9 hours
The time taken by second outlet to fill the entire pool : [tex]t_B=[/tex] 5 hours
Now , if both outlets are used at the same time, approximately what is the number of hours required to fill the pool (T) , then the time required to fill the pool will be :_
[tex]\dfrac{1}{T}=\dfrac{1}{t_A}+\dfrac{1}{t_B}\\\\\Rightarrow =\dfrac{1}{T}=\dfrac{1}{9}+\dfrac{1}{5}\\\\\Rightarrow\ \dfrac{1}{T}=\dfrac{9+5}{(9)(5)}=\dfrac{14}{45}\\\\\Rightarrow\ T=\dfrac{45}{14}=3.21428571429\approx3.21[/tex]
Hence, the approximate time taken by both outlets to fill the pool together = 3.21 hours.
Thus , the correct option is (D) 3.21