A cheetah running at 30 m/s is pursuing a zebra going in a straight line at 14 m/s. If the zebra has a 35 m head start, how much time does it take for the zebra to catch up?

(Please show all work. I know the answer, but I need the step by step instruction to understand.)

1 answer

Xc = cheetah distance traveled = 30 t
Xz = zebra location = 35 + 14 t
Set Xc = Xz and solve for t

30t = 35 + 14t when they meet
16t = 35
t = 2.1875 s