A leopard running 70 feet per second is 120 behind the gazelle running 50 feet per second. How long will it take the leopard to catch up to the gazelle?

Question

A leopard running 70 feet per second is 120 behind the gazelle running 50 feet per second. How long will it take the leopard to catch up to the gazelle?

Answer 1

Hi Darla,

 

Let's begin by determining how much faster the leopard is moving relative to the gazelle (in feet per second).  It would be the difference in their two speeds:  

    70'/sec - 50'/sec = 20'/sec

 

Therefore, this speed (20'/sec) will also be the leopard's catch-up speed on the gazelle.  This speed is what it will take the leopard to cover the distance separating it from the gazelle.  Now we can use the distance formula to calculate the time needed for the leopard to catch the gazelle:

    distance = rate x time

    120 = 20t (t = time)

    t = 120/20

    t = 6 seconds for leopard to catch gazelle

 

Thanks for submitting this problem and glad to help.

 

God bless, Jordan.