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Write a system of equations to describe the situation below, solve using any method, and fill in the blanks.\newlineA couple of friends decide to race each other. Mia can run 5 meters per second5 \text{ meters per second}, whereas Neil can run 8 meters per second8 \text{ meters per second}. Because she is slower, Mia also gets a head start of 36 meters36 \text{ meters}. Shortly after they start running, Neil will catch up to Mia. How long will that take? How far will Neil have to run?\newlineIt will take __\_\_ seconds for Neil to run __\_\_ meters and catch up to Mia.

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Q. Write a system of equations to describe the situation below, solve using any method, and fill in the blanks.\newlineA couple of friends decide to race each other. Mia can run 5 meters per second5 \text{ meters per second}, whereas Neil can run 8 meters per second8 \text{ meters per second}. Because she is slower, Mia also gets a head start of 36 meters36 \text{ meters}. Shortly after they start running, Neil will catch up to Mia. How long will that take? How far will Neil have to run?\newlineIt will take __\_\_ seconds for Neil to run __\_\_ meters and catch up to Mia.
  1. Define variables: Define the variables for time and distance.\newlineLet tt be the time in seconds it takes for Neil to catch up to Mia.\newlineLet dd be the distance in meters that Neil runs to catch up to Mia.
  2. Write Mia's equation: Write the equation for Mia's distance.\newlineMia's distance = Mia's speed ×\times time + head start\newlineMia's distance = 5t+365t + 36
  3. Write Neil's equation: Write the equation for Neil's distance.\newlineNeil's distance = Neil's speed ×\times time\newlineNeil's distance = 8t8t
  4. Set up equations: Set up the system of equations.\newlineSince Neil catches up to Mia, their distances are equal when Neil catches up.\newlineSo, we have the equation:\newline5t+36=8t5t + 36 = 8t
  5. Solve for t: Solve for t.\newlineSubtract 5t5t from both sides of the equation:\newline5t+365t=8t5t5t + 36 - 5t = 8t - 5t\newline36=3t36 = 3t\newlineDivide both sides by 33:\newlinet=36/3t = 36 / 3\newlinet=12t = 12
  6. Calculate Neil's distance: Calculate the distance Neil runs.\newlineUsing the equation for Neil's distance:\newlined=8td = 8t\newlined=8×12d = 8 \times 12\newlined=96d = 96
  7. Answer prompt: Answer the question prompt.\newlineIt will take 1212 seconds for Neil to run 9696 meters and catch up to Mia.

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