Question 1033432
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Tom and John are speed skaters. Tom skates at a rate of 44 ft/sec and John skates at a rate of 50 ft/sec. 
If John is 120 ft behind of Tom when they start speed skating, how long will it take John to catch up to Tom?  
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This way:


<pre>
Let  t = time to catch up; then

44t + 120 = 50t

6t=120

t= {{{120/6}}} = 20 seconds before John catches up to Tom.
</pre>

Or this way:


<pre>
t = {{{120/(50-44)}}} = {{{120/6}}} = 20 seconds.

The numerator is the initial distance between them, while the denominator is a relative speed.
</pre>

For details, see a similar solved problem in the lesson  <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/travel/Travel-and-Distance-problems.lesson>Travel and Distance problems</A>  in this site.