Penelope and Asher started running together along a cross country track. When Asher completed the track in 38 minutes, Penelope had run only
13 of the track. Penelope’s average speed was 100 m/min slower than Asher’s.
- How long was the cross country track in m?
- Find Penelope’s average speed in m/min.
(a)
When Asher completed the track:
Asher's distance = 3 u
Penelope's distance = 1 u
Extra distance covered by Asher
= 3 u - 1 u
= 2 u
2 u = 100 x 38
2 u = 3800
1 u = 3800 ÷ 2 = 1900
Distance of the cross country track
= 3 u
= 3 x 1900
= 5700 m
(b)
Asher's speed
= 5700 ÷ 38
= 150 m/min
Penelope's speed
= 150 - 100
= 50 m/min
Answer(s): (a) 5700 m; (b) 50 m/min