The problem involves determining Terry's running speed based on the relationship between distance, speed, and time. It states that if Terry had run 2.0 km/h faster, he would have taken 30 minutes less to cover a distance of 25 km.
There is ongoing dialogue about the correct interpretation of the variables involved and the formulation of equations. Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach solving the equations, while others have expressed differing views on the clarity of the variable definitions.
Participants note the importance of defining variables clearly, particularly in the context of physics problems, and express concerns about the potential confusion arising from undefined variables.
petuniac said:Homework Statement
If Terry had run 2.0 km/h faster, he would have taken 30 minutes less to cover a 25 km run. What was Terry's running speed?
Homework Equations
d=vt
The Attempt at a Solution
equation 1
25 = xy
equation 2
25 = (x +2)(y-0.5)
? Is this right? assuming x = his speed and y = his time
Amen, brother!DavidWhitbeck said:Next year I'm going to make them explicitly define all variables (and label them uniquely) and assign their numerical values with correct units upon penalty of death! If there is anything that I learned from this past year is that the students that can't even get started on a problem were the ones that didn't do that step correctly or at all.
Sorry rant over.
You'd better call the local morgue now.DavidWhitbeck said:Next year I'm going to make them explicitly define all variables (and label them uniquely) and assign their numerical values with correct units upon penalty of death!