Question

Ursula and Andre competed against each other in a swimming race. Ursula swam at a rate of 60 meters per minute and Andre swam at a rate of 48 meters per minute. Ursula gave Andre a 1-minute head start. Andre still had 48 meters left to swim when Ursula finished the race. How much time did it take Ursula to swim the race?

Answer 1

Answer: 8 min

Explanation:

Use the formula distance = rate x time

Ursula:

• distance = d
• rate = 60,
• time = t - 1 (she gave Andre a 1 minute head start)

d = 60(t - 1)

d = 60t - 60

Andre:

• distance = d
• rate = 48
• time = t + 1 (48 meters/48 meters per min = 1 minute longer than Ursula)

d = 48(t + 1)

d = 48t + 48

Solve the system of equations using Substitution

d = 60t - 60

d = 48t + 48

60t - 60 = 48t + 48

12t - 60 = 48

12t = 108

t = 9

Ursula's time was "t - 1" ---> 9 - 1 = 8