Question

Jeremy and Cerardo run at constant speeds. Let x = time and y= distance. Assuming they run the same path, when will Jeremy catch up to Cerardo?





12 minutes
1 minute
10 minutes
3 minutes

Answer 1

I don't have the equations or the graph you used, so I can't pick the correct choice yet. Give me either the two position functions (y as a function of x) or the graph (or the starting distances and speeds) and I'll compute the catch-up time.

How to solve once you have the info:
- If Jeremy's position is y1(x) = m1 x + b1 and Cerardo's is y2(x) = m2 x + b2, set y1 = y2 and solve
x = (b2 − b1) / (m1 − m2).
- On a graph, read each line's slope (rise/run) and y-intercept (value at x = 0), then use the formula above.
- The solution x (in minutes) must be positive and will be one of the choices if the problem is set up that way.

Send the graph or the two linear equations (or speeds and starting distances) and I’ll compute which option (12, 1, 10, or 3 minutes) is correct.