How Do You Solve the Tortoise & Hare Race Problem?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 7K views
aznbaby
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A tortoise can run with a speed of 0.10 m/s, and a hare can run 20 times as fast. In a race, they both start at the same time, but the hare stops to rest for 5.0 minutes. The tortoise wins by a shell (40 cm).
(a) How long does the race take? (s)
(b) What is the length of the race? (m)

Homework Equations



d= distance
s= speed
t= time
subscripts;
h=hare
t=tortoise

dh=sh x th
dt=st x tt


The Attempt at a Solution



i have these two equations:

dt-0.40=(20)(0.10)(t-300)

d=0.10t

how do i set them equal to each other
or how do i solve them? i have no clue...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hi aznbaby! Welcome to PF! :smile:
aznbaby said:
i have these two equations:

dt-0.40=(20)(0.10)(t-300)

d=0.10t

how do i set them equal to each other
or how do i solve them? i have no clue...

(shouldn't the second equation also be dt?)

Just put the two d's equal :wink:

which gives you t = … ? :smile:

(though personally I'd have defined dh = (20)(0.10)(t-300), and then put dh = dt - 0.40)