Henry Ernest Dudeney/Puzzles and Curious Problems/35 - The Reapers' Puzzle

Puzzles and Curious Problems by Henry Ernest Dudeney: $35$

The Reapers' Puzzle

Three men were to receive $90 \shillings$ for harvesting a field, conditionally upon the work being done in $5$ days.

Jake could do it alone in $9$ days, but as Ben was not as good a workman they were compelled to engage Bill for $2$ days,

in consequence of which Ben got $3 \shillings 9 \oldpence$ less than he would otherwise have received.

How long would it have taken Ben and Bill together to complete the work?

Sources

• 1932: Henry Ernest Dudeney: Puzzles and Curious Problems ... (previous) ... (next): Arithmetical and Algebraical Problems: Money Puzzles: $35$. -- The Reapers' Puzzle