Functions math project.. Help!

Question

For my math project I have to pretend I am creating a virtual race as a spin off of the Tortouise and the Hare. In this race I am using an elphant (25 mph) and a mouse (8mph). I have to use a system of two linear equations showing the distance each animal can travel to model a fair race, and define all variables. The mouse can have a shorter distance to travel and the animals can run at a constant speed. I also have to graph the system to prove that the two animals have an equal chance of winning the race. 

I do not understand how linear equatioms work and how to graph the system. Can somebody please walk me through the instruction so I can complete my project, and better understand linear equations? Thank you! 

Answer 1

distance = rate of speed time time traveled, d=rt

d = 25t for the elephant, d=8t for the mouse

in 1 hour the elephant goes 25 miles

in 1 hour the mouse goes 8 miles

if the mouse has a 17 mile head start, then both have an equal chance to win, and would tend to be a tie