Elyse and Wesley started running together along a cross country track. When Wesley completed the track in 26 minutes, Elyse had run only
35 of the track. Elyse’s average speed was 100 m/min slower than Wesley’s.
- How long was the cross country track in m?
- Find Elyse’s average speed in m/min.
(a)
When Wesley completed the track:
Wesley's distance = 5 u
Elyse's distance = 3 u
Extra distance covered by Wesley
= 5 u - 3 u
= 2 u
2 u = 100 x 26
2 u = 2600
1 u = 2600 ÷ 2 = 1300
Distance of the cross country track
= 5 u
= 5 x 1300
= 6500 m
(b)
Wesley's speed
= 6500 ÷ 26
= 250 m/min
Elyse's speed
= 250 - 100
= 150 m/min
Answer(s): (a) 6500 m; (b) 150 m/min