Mason began swimming 2 seconds earlier than Nora. Mason swam at a speed of 2 feet per second. Nora swam at a speed of 7 feet per second.

Question

For how many seconds had Mason been swimming at the moment when the two swimmers had swam exactly the same distance?

Answer 1

In 2 seconds, Mason will swim 2 sec * 2 ft/sec = 4 ft

Nora swims at 7 ft/sec, so she catches up with Mason at (7-2) = 5 ft/sec

Then, she will catch Mason, who is 4 feet ahead, in 4 ft / (5 ft/sec) = 4/5 sec

Thus, Mason swims 2 sec + 4/5 sec = 2 4/5 sec.

(Nora swims 4/5 sec)

 

Note:  4/5 * 7 = 28/5 the distance Nora travels

2 * 2 4/5 = 2 * 14/5 = 28/5  the distance Mason travels