Runners A and B leave the same point P at right angles. A runs 4 m/h faster than B. After 2 hours they are 40 km apart. Find the speed of A and B. ( let x = to the speed of A)
Let B's rate = x ...then A's rate = x + 4
The distance that A runs is ..... time x rate = 2(x + 4)
The distance that B runs is..... time x rate = 2x
And using the Pytagorean Theorem, we have
(2x)^2 + [2(x + 4)]^2 = 40^2
4x^2 + 4(x^2 + 8x + 16) = 1600
4x^2 + 4x^2 + 32x + 64 = 1600
8x^2 + 32x - 1536 = 0 divide through by 8
x^2 + 4x - 192 = 0 factor
(x +16) ( x - 12) = 0
And setting each factor to 0, we have that x = -16 and x = 12
Reject the -16
So ... A's speed = x + 4 = 12 + 4 = 16 km/hr
Let B's rate = x ...then A's rate = x + 4
The distance that A runs is ..... time x rate = 2(x + 4)
The distance that B runs is..... time x rate = 2x
And using the Pytagorean Theorem, we have
(2x)^2 + [2(x + 4)]^2 = 40^2
4x^2 + 4(x^2 + 8x + 16) = 1600
4x^2 + 4x^2 + 32x + 64 = 1600
8x^2 + 32x - 1536 = 0 divide through by 8
x^2 + 4x - 192 = 0 factor
(x +16) ( x - 12) = 0
And setting each factor to 0, we have that x = -16 and x = 12
Reject the -16
So ... A's speed = x + 4 = 12 + 4 = 16 km/hr