SOLUTION: Two persons are to run a race, but one can run 11 meters per second, whereas the other can run 5 meters per second. If the slower runner has a 87-meter head start, how long will it

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Question 846937: Two persons are to run a race, but one can run 11 meters per second, whereas the other can run 5 meters per second. If the slower runner has a 87-meter head start, how long will it be before the faster runner catches the slower runner, if they begin at the same time?

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
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Two persons are to run a race, but one can run 11 meters per second, whereas the other can run 5 meters per second.
If the slower runner has a 87-meter head start, how long will it be before the faster runner catches the slower runner, if they begin at the same time?
:
Let t = time in seconds for this to happen
:
Write a distance equation; dist = speed * time
:
t(11-5) = 87
6t = 87
t = 87/6
t = 14.5 seconds
:
:
Confirm this; find the distance each ran.
11 * 14.5 = 159.5 meters
5 * 14.5 = 72.5
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difference: 87 m