Question

Runner A is initially 5.7 km west of a flagpole and is running with a constant velocity of 8.9 km/h due east. Runner B is initially 4.5 km east of the flagpole and is running with a constant velocity of 7.0 km/h due west. How far are the runners from the flagpole when their paths cross? Answer in units of km.

Answer 1

B meet A 0.01 km east of flagpole

Step-by-step explanation:

given data

distance A = 5.7 km west

velocity V1 = 8.9 km/h

distance B = 4.5 km east

velocity V2 = 7 km/h

to find out

How far runners from the flagpole, when paths cross

solution

we know A and B are 5.7 + 4.5 = 10.2 km apart

and we consider here B will run distance x km for meet

so time will be for B is

time B = distance / velocity

time B = x / 7 ...................1

and

for A distance for meet = ( 10.2 - x ) km

so time A = distance / velocity

time A = ( 10.2 - x ) / 8.9 .............2

now equating equation 1 and 2

time A = time B

x / 7 = ( 10.2 - x ) / 8.9

x = 4.490

so distance of B run for meet is 4.490 km

so distance from the flagpole when their paths cross is 4.5 - 4.490 = 0.01 km

so B meet A 0.01 km east of flagpole