Solutions
Given:
Pipes A and B can fill a tank in 36 minutes and 45 minutes
Concept used:
Total work = Time taken by the pipes × efficiency of the pipes
Calculation:
Let the efficiency of the leakage be (- x) units/minute
LCM of 36 and 45 = 180
So, Let the total work be 180 units
Now, efficiency of pipe A = 180/36 = 5 units/minute
And, efficiency of pipe B = 180/45 = 4 units/minute
According to the question,
All three pipes were opened for the first 20 minutes, and then the leakage pipe was sealed and the tank was full in 15 minutes.
i.e., (9 - x) × 20 + 15 × 9 = 180
⇒ 180 - 20x + 135 = 180
⇒ - 20x = - 135
⇒ x = 135/20 or 27/4
Now, time taken by the leakage pipe to empty the tank = Total work\Efficiency
⇒ 180/(27/4) ⇒ 180 × (4/27)
⇒ 80/3

∴ The leak alone can empty the full tank in 