Running question abot feet per second...

Question

ive been working on math for a billion years and im tired and i feel like crying. Someone help....

 

During a 1 mile race, one runner is running at a pace of 14.6 feet per second, and another runner is running at a rate of 11.3 feet per second. One lap around the track is 660 feet. After how many seconds will the runner be one lap ahead of the other?

Answer 1

Eek, don't cry!

 

So...with each second, the faster runner is going to get another 3.3 feet ahead of the slower. So after one second it's 3.3, after 2 it's 6.6, then 9.9, etc.

 

In other words, it's the number of seconds, times 3.3 feet, that determines the distance between them. Conversely, if you have a set distance to figure out (in this case 660 feet) you take that 660, divide it by the number of feet between them per second (3.3) and you get...

 

200 seconds...

 

I think...

 

Let's hope someone smart chimes in...

 

:-)

Answer 2

Let x = number of seconds

 

Distance = (Rate)(Time)

 

Distance (in feet) of the first runner in x sec = 14.6x

 

Distance (in feet) of second runner in x sec = 11.3x

 

The first runner is 1 lap ahead when 14.6x = 11.3x + 660

 

                                                       3.3x = 660

 

                                                           x = 200 sec