Rachel and Lindsay are in third place in a race. Due to a time penalty, they must start the next leg 90 minutes after the second place team. If rachel and lindsay travel at an average rate of 16.8 mph and the second place team travels at an average rate of 14 mph, how long will it take the girls to catch up to the second place team?

Question

Rachel and Lindsay are in third place in a race.  Due to a time penalty, they must start the next leg 90 minutes after the second place team.  If rachel and lindsay travel at an average rate of 16.8 mph and the second place team travels at an average rate of 14 mph, how long will it take the girls to catch up to the second place team?

Steve · Answer

setting the distances equal, and assuming that the 2nd place team runs t hours, 14t = 16.8(t-1.5) 14t = 16.8t - 25.2 2.8t = 25.2 t=9 So, it will take 7.5 hours to catch up.