Suppose the time taken by the faster pipe is x minutes.
∴ Time taken by the slower pipe = (x + 3) minutes
Now,
Portion of cistern filled by the faster pipe and portion of cistern filled by the slower pipe =
and portion of the cistern filled by the both in 1 minute
It is given that,
Portion of the cistern filled by both 1 minute ...(ii)
Comparing (i) and (ii), we get
(which is rejected) Hence, time taken by the faster pipe = x = 5 minutes and time taken by the slower pipe = (x + 3) = 5 + 3 = 8 minutes.