Question

Juan and Mahdi are to run a race, but Juan can run 18 meters per second, whereas Mahdi can run 6 meters per second. If Mahdi has a 228 -meter head start, how long will it be before the faster runner catches the slower runner, if they begin at the same time? Round your answer to the nearest whole number.

Answer 1

19 seconds

Explanation:

You want to know the time it takes for Juan, running 18 m/s, to overtake Mahdi, running 6 m/s, if Mahdi has a 228 meter head start.

Closing time

The time to close the gap between the runners will be ...

time = distance/speed

time = (228 m)/(difference in speeds) = (228 m)/(18 m/s -6 m/s)

time = (228 m)/(12 m/s) = (228/12) s = 19 s

It will take Juan 19 seconds to catch Mahdi.

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Additional comment

The fastest human runner will not exceed 12.3 meters per second, especially over a 300+ meter distance.