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Math question - ratio

I think I have an answer, I was just wondering if anyone could offer some reassurance? TIA!

2 athletes enter a 2,000m race around a 400 metre track. One is faster than their rival. In the ratio of 3:2, how far into the race, will the slower be lapped by the quicker runner?

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 1

Mythical Pingu

Hi, I've moved your thread to the Maths forum - I hope you can get an answer here. Sorry I'm no help!

MP :smile:

Reply 2

hl98davies

Original post by Mythical Pingu

Hi, I've moved your thread to the Maths forum - I hope you can get an answer here. Sorry I'm no help!

MP :smile:

Thank you!

Reply 3

mqb2766

Original post by hl98davies

Thank you!

What did you get as an answer / working?

Reply 4

hl98davies

Original post by mqb2766

What did you get as an answer / working?

3 laps? But I'm not sure on method or if my approach is correct for this type of question.

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 5

the bear

the fast runner completes 3 laps at the same moment the slower one completes 2 laps.

Reply 6

hl98davies

Original post by the bear

the fast runner completes 3 laps at the same moment the slower one completes 2 laps.

I think the way the question is worded through me off, would you agree that the length of the race is irrelevant?

Reply 7

the bear

Original post by hl98davies

I think the way the question is worded through me off, would you agree that the length of the race is irrelevant?

well if they want the answer as a number of laps then it is irrelevant, if they want the distance covered then you need to know how long each lap is.

Reply 8

hl98davies

Original post by the bear

well if they want the answer as a number of laps then it is irrelevant, if they want the distance covered then you need to know how long each lap is

By the way the question is worded, I would answer it with the number of laps so I assume I would just answer it with something like: The faster runner (A) passed his rival on A's third lap of the track?