SOLUTION: Tom and Jerry run 6000m from A to B and then back to A. Tom runs the 12 000 m in 50 minutes, wile Jerry takes 60 minutes. Each runs at a constant rate. If x is the time they've eac

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Question 1047312: Tom and Jerry run 6000m from A to B and then back to A. Tom runs the 12 000 m in 50 minutes, wile Jerry takes 60 minutes. Each runs at a constant rate. If x is the time they've each been running for when they meet each other, find x in minutes.
I'm not sure how to do this, I found out that Tom is 14 4000m/60 mins and Jerry is 12,000m/60 mins and Tom is running from B to A after 25 mins while Jerry has only run 5000m but then I'm not sure what to do. Help!

Answer by ikleyn(52803) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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Tom and Jerry run 6000 m from A to B and then back to A. Tom runs the 12 000 m in 50 minutes, wile Jerry takes 60 minutes.
Each runs at a constant rate. If x is the time they've each been running for when they meet each other, find x in minutes.
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Answer. x = 27.(27) minutes.

Solution

Tom's   rate is 12000%2F50 = 240 m/min.
Jerry's rate is 12000%2F60 = 200 m/min

Tom is running faster, so he will make his 6000 m and will be in his returning way when he will meet Jerry.

So, the equations are 

6000 + x = 240t   (1)   for Tom, and
6000 - x = 200t   (2)   for Jerry.

"x" is "additional distance for Tom, t is the time before they meet each other.

Add equations (1) and (2). You will get

12000 = 240t + 200t,  or 12000 = 440t,  hence,  t = 12000%2F440 = 27.(27) minutes before they meet each other.