Question

Write the equation to go with the given information.

8) A bee flies at a rate of 8ft/sec directly to a
flowerbed from its hive. The bee stays at
the flower bed for 1200 seconds, then flies
directly back to the hive at 4ft/sec. It is
away for 2800 seconds. What equation can
you use to find the distance of the flowerbed
to the hive.

Answer 1

Equation is;

(D/8) + (D/4) = 1600

D = 4266.67 ft

Explanation:

We are told that the bee flies at a rate of 8ft/sec directly to a flowerbed from its hive. Thus,

speed during this stage is; v1 = 8ft/sec

Time during this stage is; t1

The bee stays at the flower bed for 1200 seconds.

Thus, time at this stage is; t2 = 1200 s

It flies directly back to the hive at 4ft/sec.

Speed at this stage; v2 = 4 ft/s

Time at this stage; t3

We are told that it was away for a total of 2800 seconds.

Thus; t1 + t2 + t3 = 2800

Since t2 = 1200 s, then;

t1 + 1200 + t3 = 2800

t1 + t3 = 2800 - 1200

t1 + t3 = 1600

Now, during time t1, the speed was 8ft/sec, since distance is equal to speed × time, then we have;

D = 8t1

t1 = D/8

During time t3, the speed was 4ft/sec. Thus; D = 4t3

t3 = D/4

Thus,since t1 + t3 = 1600

Then;

(D/8) + (D/4) = 1600

Multiply through by 8 to get;

D + 2D = 1600 × 8

3D = 12800

D = 12800/3

D = 4266.67 ft