Question

If Ms. Ironperson travels at rate of 50t and Mr. Thoro travels at a rate of 60t, what is the correct equation to find how long it will take them to be 400 miles apart. How many hours will it take them to be 400 miles apart?

Answer 1

Equation: 10t=400

It will take them 40 hours to be 400 miles apart.

Explanation:

Constant Speed Motion

If the speed of an object is v, the distance traveled in a time t is:

`x=v\cdot t`

Ms. Ironperson travels at 50t (not speed, but a distance), and Mr. Thoro travels at 60t. Since the latter travels faster, the distance between them at time t is given by:

`D=60t-50t=10t`

To be 400 miles apart, we set the equation:

10t=400

Solving:

t=400/10=40

It will take them 40 hours to be 400 miles apart.

Note: Some assumptions were made in this question:

• The rates are not speeds but distances
• The distances are in miles