Two ants race across a table 70 cm long. One travels at 5.7 cm/s and the other at 3.99999 cm/s. When the first one crosses the finish line,how far behind is the second one? Answer in units of cm
Are we to assume that they started at the same time?
3.9999 cm/s might as well be called 4.0 cm/s, since there are only two significant figures for other numbers.
t1 = 70cm / 5.7cm/s = 12.88s = the 1st
ants' time.
d2=4cm/s * 12.88s = 49.12cm = Distance the 2nd ant ran during the 12.88s.
d = 70 - 49.12 = 20.88cm = Distance behind.
To find out how far behind the second ant is when the first one crosses the finish line, we need to calculate the time it takes for the first ant to cross the finish line. We can then use this time to calculate the distance the second ant travels during the same time.
Let's start by finding the time it takes for the first ant to cross the finish line. We can use the formula:
Time = Distance / Speed
For the first ant:
Distance = 70 cm
Speed = 5.7 cm/s
Time = 70 cm / 5.7 cm/s = 12.28 s (rounded to two decimal places)
Now, we can find the distance the second ant travels during this time. We can use the formula:
Distance = Speed x Time
For the second ant:
Speed = 3.99999 cm/s
Time = 12.28 s (rounded to two decimal places)
Distance = 3.99999 cm/s x 12.28 s = 49.11 cm (rounded to two decimal places)
Therefore, when the first ant crosses the finish line, the second ant is approximately 49.11 cm behind.