Question

A ranch hand herded his cattle to some grazing land. Then he began riding back to the ranch,

which is due west, at 7 miles per hour. Simultaneously, the cows began moving away from
him, too, headed due east at 3 miles per hour. How long did it take for the herd and the
ranch hand to be 2 miles apart? (Please help me !!)

Answer 1

1/5 hr or 12 min

Explanation:

We are going to use the formula D = RT

Let t = the time for them to be 2 mi. apart

Then 7t = the distance the ranch hand traveled

and 3t = the distance the cows traveled

Since they traveled in opposite directions, the sum of their distances will give us how far they are apart.

So, 7t + 3t = 2

10t = 2

t = 2/10 = 1/5 hr. = 12 min.