Mary and Liam started running together along a cross country track. When Liam completed the track in 25 minutes, Mary had run only
35 of the track. Mary’s average speed was 96 m/min slower than Liam’s.
- How long was the cross country track in m?
- Find Mary’s average speed in m/min.
(a)
When Liam completed the track:
Liam's distance = 5 u
Mary's distance = 3 u
Extra distance covered by Liam
= 5 u - 3 u
= 2 u
2 u = 96 x 25
2 u = 2400
1 u = 2400 ÷ 2 = 1200
Distance of the cross country track
= 5 u
= 5 x 1200
= 6000 m
(b)
Liam's speed
= 6000 ÷ 25
= 240 m/min
Mary's speed
= 240 - 96
= 144 m/min
Answer(s): (a) 6000 m; (b) 144 m/min