If 5 identical machines can produce 100 widgets in 2 hours, how many hours would it take 8 identical machines to produce 240 widgets, assuming they work at the same constant rate?

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

First, find the rate of one machine: (100 widgets / 5 machines) / 2 hours = 10 widgets per machine per hour. For 8 machines, their combined rate is 8 machines * 10 widgets/machine/hour = 80 widgets per hour. To produce 240 widgets, the time needed is 240 widgets / (80 widgets/hour) = 3 hours.