Border Patrol Practice Exam

In the context of two officers completing a task, if Officer K is faster, how would they work together to finish the task?

1. Faster together than separately

2. Slower together than separately

3. Always equal to slower officer's time

4. Can never finish together

The correct answer is: Faster together than separately

When two officers collaborate on a task, the efficiency of their combined efforts often exceeds the sum of their individual outputs, particularly if one officer is notably faster. This scenario occurs because the faster officer can lead or streamline the process, potentially helping the slower officer maintain a better pace or clear obstacles more rapidly. By working together, they can improve overall communication and coordination, which typically enhances productivity. The rationale for collectively being faster lies in the synergy that results from teamwork, where each officer contributes their strengths. In contrast, options that suggest a slower pace or that they would always follow the slower officer's time underestimate the benefits of collaboration and the potential for mutual support during the task. Therefore, the conclusion that they would be faster together than if each operated alone reflects an understanding of effective teamwork and productivity dynamics.