Distance Travelled: Equation for a,j,p - Solved

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the equation for the distance traveled by Jing when he catches up to Pieter, focusing on the relationship between their speeds and the initial distance between them. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving related to motion and rates.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the answer is ja/j-p km but expresses uncertainty about how to arrive at that conclusion.
  • Another participant proposes a method using the relationship between distance, rate, and time, leading to the equation d = aj/(j-p).
  • A different approach is presented, where the time taken for both riders to meet is derived, resulting in the same distance formula, d = aj/(j-p), but through a different reasoning process involving their respective distances from Pieter's house.
  • A participant adds a visual representation of the problem but does not provide further clarification or additional insights.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the final form of the distance equation, d = aj/(j-p), but there is no consensus on the initial steps or reasoning leading to that conclusion, as different methods are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the riders' speeds and the initial distance are made, but these are not explicitly stated. The discussion does not resolve the potential implications of different speeds or initial conditions.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in motion problems, rate of travel, or mathematical problem-solving in physics may find this discussion relevant.

Yazan975
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View attachment 8404

The answer is ja/j-p kms but I have no idea how to get there
 

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Mathematics news on Phys.org
let $d$ be the distance Jing rides to the point of catching up

$d-a$ = distance Pieter rides to the same point

$\dfrac{distance}{rate} = time$

time Pieter rides = time Jing rides

$\dfrac{d-a}{p} = \dfrac{d}{j}$

$dj - aj = dp$

$dj - dp = aj$

$d(j-p) = aj$

$d = \dfrac{aj}{j-p}$
 
Another way: Pieter rides west at p km/hr so after 't' hours he will be pt km from his house.

Jing Jing rides at rides west at j km/hr so after 't' hours he will be jt km from his house. But Jing Jing started "a" km to the west of Pieter's house so after 't' hours Jing Jing will be jt+ a km from Pieter's house.

They meet when they are at the same place so the same distance from Pieter's house: jt= pt+ a. Subtract pt from both sides: jt- pt= a. Factor t out on the left: (j- p)t= a. Divide both sides by j- p: t= a/(j- p).

Jing Jing was riding at j km/hr so he will have ridden aj/(j- p) km.
 
...aNUTter look-see:

[P]@p...pt...>t

[J]@j....pt+a....>t
 

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