Penelope and John started running together along a cross country track. When John completed the track in 38 minutes, Penelope had run only
38 of the track. Penelope’s average speed was 110 m/min slower than John’s.
- How long was the cross country track in m?
- Find Penelope’s average speed in m/min.
(a)
When John completed the track:
John's distance = 8 u
Penelope's distance = 3 u
Extra distance covered by John
= 8 u - 3 u
= 5 u
5 u = 110 x 38
5 u = 4180
1 u = 4180 ÷ 5 = 836
Distance of the cross country track
= 8 u
= 8 x 836
= 6688 m
(b)
John's speed
= 6688 ÷ 38
= 176 m/min
Penelope's speed
= 176 - 110
= 66 m/min
Answer(s): (a) 6688 m; (b) 66 m/min