Question 218393
In a bicycle race, Lionel gives Robert a 500 meter advantage. Lionel also agrees to start 15 minutes after Robert. If Lionel bikes at 17 km/h and Robert at 14 km/h how long will it take Lionel after he starts biking to overtake Robert?
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Let's do it this way and then compare what you did
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Let t = L's travel time
then
(t+.25) = R's travel time
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A distance equation:
L's dist - .5 km =  R's dist
17t - .5 = 14(t+.25)
17t - .5 = 14t + 3.5
17t - 14t = 3.5 + .5
3t = 4
t = {{{4/3}}} hr  or 1 hr 20 min for L to catch R
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Check solution by finding the distance each traveled using decimals
17 * 1.33 = 22.6 km
14 * (1.33 +.25) = 22.1 mi
a difference of .5 km
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I think you had L starting before R instead of the other way around.