X and Y can do a piece of work in 20 days and 12 days respectively. X started the work alone and then after 4 days Y joined him till the completion of the work. How long did the work last ?

A. 6 days
B. 10 days
C. 15 days
D. 20 days
Work done by X in 4 days = ( 1/20X 4 ) = 1/5 Remaining work = (1 – 1/5 ) = 4/5 (X + Y)’s 1 day’s work = 1/20 + 1/12 = 8/60 = 2/15 Now, 2/15 work is done by X and Y in 1 day. So, 4/5 work will be done by X and Y in 15/2 X 4/5 = 6 days Hence, total time taken = (6 + 4) days = 10 days.