P and Q together complete a piece of work in x days. If P alone completes the work in (x + 3) days and Q alone completes the piece of work in (x + 12) days, what is the value of 'x'?

Question: P and Q together complete a piece of work in x days. If P alone completes the work in (x + 3) days and Q alone completes the piece of work in (x + 12) days, what is the value of 'x'?

Solution:
P's 1 day's work = 1/(x + 3) part
Q's 1 day's work = 1/(x + 12) part
and (P + Q)'s 1 day's work = 1/x

ATQ,
1/(x + 3) + 1/(x + 12) = 1/x
⇒ (x + 12 + x + 3)/(x + 3)(x + 12) = 1/x
⇒ (2x + 15)/(x² + 15x + 36) = 1/x
⇒ 2x² + 15x = x² + 15x + 36
⇒ 2x² + 15x - x² - 15x = 36
⇒ x² = 36
∴ x = 6