Write a system of equations to describe the situation below, solve using any method, and fill in the blanks.A couple of friends decide to race each other. Mia can run 5 meters per second, whereas Neil can run 8 meters per second. Because she is slower, Mia also gets a head start of 36 meters. Shortly after they start running, Neil will catch up to Mia. How long will that take? How far will Neil have to run?It will take __ seconds for Neil to run __ meters and catch up to Mia.
Q. Write a system of equations to describe the situation below, solve using any method, and fill in the blanks.A couple of friends decide to race each other. Mia can run 5 meters per second, whereas Neil can run 8 meters per second. Because she is slower, Mia also gets a head start of 36 meters. Shortly after they start running, Neil will catch up to Mia. How long will that take? How far will Neil have to run?It will take __ seconds for Neil to run __ meters and catch up to Mia.
Define variables: Define the variables for time and distance.Let t be the time in seconds it takes for Neil to catch up to Mia.Let d be the distance in meters that Neil runs to catch up to Mia.
Write Mia's equation: Write the equation for Mia's distance.Mia's distance = Mia's speed × time + head startMia's distance = 5t+36
Write Neil's equation: Write the equation for Neil's distance.Neil's distance = Neil's speed × timeNeil's distance = 8t
Set up equations: Set up the system of equations.Since Neil catches up to Mia, their distances are equal when Neil catches up.So, we have the equation:5t+36=8t
Solve for t: Solve for t.Subtract 5t from both sides of the equation:5t+36−5t=8t−5t36=3tDivide both sides by 3:t=36/3t=12
Calculate Neil's distance: Calculate the distance Neil runs.Using the equation for Neil's distance:d=8td=8×12d=96
Answer prompt: Answer the question prompt.It will take 12 seconds for Neil to run 96 meters and catch up to Mia.
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