SOLUTION: I need to create a word problem and I am having a hard time setting up the problem once I create it. This is the word problem I have created. I took my son Go-Kart racing. One l

Question 458514: I need to create a word problem and I am having a hard time setting up the problem once I create it. This is the word problem I have created.
I took my son Go-Kart racing. One lap around the track is 804m. The worker releases my son on the track first and then releases me on the track 5 seconds later. My sons Go-Kart travels 6 mph and my Go-Kart travels 7mph. How long would it take me to pass my son on the track?
I am thinking this is how I would set this up.
x = my Go-Kart
y = my sons Go-Kart
t = the time it would take me to pass my son on the track
Actually, I am pretty much lost and not even sure if I have an accurate word problem or I need to tweek the word problem in order to get an answer.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Is the 804 meters or miles? I assume it's miles.
If not, just do a conversion.
The key is: how much of a head start does your son have?
sec = hrs
In 5 seconds at 6 mi/hr, he goes

mi
mi head start
Now you start a stopwatch when you are released.
Your equation is:
(1) (t is in hours)
Your Son's equation is:
(2) ( you both will have the same t now)
and
(3)
You have 3 equations and 3 unknowns, so it's solvable
Substitute (1) and (2) in (3)
(3)
(3) hrs
Now convert to seconds:
hrs x sec/hr = sec
It will take you 30 sec to pass your son
------------------------------
You will have gone

mi
That is ft

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