Linear Equations and Slope - Quiz Question 6

Given:

Your distance y (in meters) from the finish line x seconds after you begin your leg of a relay race is

Opponent's distance is

To find:

The distance you need to run to catch up with your opponent.

Solution:

We have,

           ...(i)

         ...(ii)

Subtract (ii) from (i), we get

Divide both sides by 0.3.

Put x=20 in (i).

They will meet at (20,20). It means at 20 meters from the finish line after 20 seconds from the beginning.

Put x=0 in (i), we get

It means, initially the total distance you and finish line is 100 meters.

You will catch your opponent 20 meter from the finish line. So,

Therefore, you need to run 80 meters to catch up with your opponent.