Question

Michaela holds her state high school record for the 500-meter freestyle swimming event. She can swim the event in 4 minutes and 50 seconds. At this same rate, how far will she swim in 10 minutes?​

Answer 1

Answer: To solve the problem, we need to use the given time to find Michaela's swimming rate in meters per second, and then use that rate to calculate the distance she will swim in 10 minutes.

1 minute = 60 seconds

4 minutes and 50 seconds = 4 x 60 + 50 = 290 seconds

So, Michaela's rate is:

distance / time = x / 290 seconds

where x is the distance she can swim in 290 seconds.

Simplifying the equation:

x = distance = (time x distance) / time = (290 seconds x distance) / 290 seconds = distance

We know that Michaela can swim 500 meters in 290 seconds:

500 meters / 290 seconds = 1.724 meters per second

Therefore, in 10 minutes (600 seconds), she will swim:

distance = rate x time = 1.724 meters/second x 600 seconds = 1034.4 meters

So, Michaela will swim 1034.4 meters in 10 minutes.

Explanation: