Question

Write two systems of equations and what x and y are.

The tortoise and the hare agree to a re-match. As they begin the race, the tortoise plods along slowly but confidently at 2 ½ mph. The hare zips ahead at 8 ½ mph, determined not to repeat his original mistake…and he doesn’t! The hare never slows down and reaches the finish line 45 minutes (3/4 of an hour) before the tortoise. How long did the tortoise run?

Answer 1

Exactly 1hr 3mins and 75secs

Explanation:

Two systems of equations are linear and non- linear (that question is ambiguous)

Time taken for hare t

Time taken for tortoise be t+3/4

But speed = distance/time

[for hare]

`(5)/(2) (t + (3)/(4) ) = (17t)/(2)`

Expanding the bracket then solving

`t = (5)/(16)`

[for tortoise]

`(5)/(16) + (3)/(4) = (17)/(16) hours`

Therefore time is 1hr 3mins and 75secs