Gem and Howard started running together along a cross country track. When Howard completed the track in 50 minutes, Gem had run only
37 of the track. Gem’s average speed was 96 m/min slower than Howard’s.
- How long was the cross country track in m?
- Find Gem’s average speed in m/min.
(a)
When Howard completed the track:
Howard's distance = 7 u
Gem's distance = 3 u
Extra distance covered by Howard
= 7 u - 3 u
= 4 u
4 u = 96 x 50
4 u = 4800
1 u = 4800 ÷ 4 = 1200
Distance of the cross country track
= 7 u
= 7 x 1200
= 8400 m
(b)
Howard's speed
= 8400 ÷ 50
= 168 m/min
Gem's speed
= 168 - 96
= 72 m/min
Answer(s): (a) 8400 m; (b) 72 m/min