story problem

Question

Two children, who are d = 238 meters apart, start walking toward each other at the same instant at rates of 1.5 m/sec and 2 m/sec, respectively. 

a. When will they meet?
(blank)
seconds later

b.how far will each have walked?
child with the rate 1.5 m/sec
m
child with the rate 2 m/sec
m

Answer 1

Ali,

 

The combined rate of travel of the 2 children is 1.5 + 2 = 3.5 m/sec.

The distance being traveled is 238 m

 

Therefore:
Time of Impact = distance / combined rate of travel

 

t = 238m / 3.5 m/sec

t = 68 seconds

 

So we know the time of impact.
Now calculate the distance each traveled.

distance = rate x time

d1 = 1.5 * 68 = 102

d2 = 2 * 68 = 136

 

Note that their total individual distances added together equals the total distance of the road they are walking.