SOLUTION: Uniform Motion: Matthew was 1200 yards ahead when Lowe began his pursuit. If lowe ran 3 times as fast as Matthew and overtook him in 30 minutes, how fast did each boy run? RlT

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Question 278828: Uniform Motion: Matthew was 1200 yards ahead when Lowe began his pursuit. If lowe ran 3 times as fast as Matthew and overtook him in 30 minutes, how fast did each boy run?
RlTl + 1200 = RmTm Rl=3*Rm Tm=30 Tl=30
sub
3*Rm * 30 +1200 = Rm * 30
I am getting this wrong. Answer is 20 and 60 yards per minute. Help, please.
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
look at your initial equation

rate times times equals distance ___ when Lowe overtakes Matthew, the distances are equal
___ but the time (30 min) starts when Matthew has a 1200 yd head start
___ to "equalize" the distances, the 1200 is added to Matthew, not Lowe

RlTl = RmTm + 1200

Rl = 3Rm

substituting ___ 3Rm * 30 = Rm * 30 + 1200 ___ 60 Rm = 1200 ___ Rm = 20

Rl = 3(20) = 60