How Far Did A Travel to B's House?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the distance "d" from "A" to "B"'s house, given that "A" walks at 2.5 mph and then runs at 5.3 mph, taking a total of 0.5 hours to reach "B". The original poster attempts to break the problem into two segments based on the different speeds.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the original poster's method of splitting the journey into walking and running segments, questioning how to relate the two distances and times. Some suggest calculating average velocity as a potential approach.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different methods to approach the problem, with some participants providing guidance on calculating average velocity. However, there is no explicit consensus on the best way to proceed, and the original poster expresses uncertainty about their current approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, and there is a focus on understanding the relationship between distance, speed, and time without providing a complete solution.

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Homework Statement



"A" is visiting "B" on his house. First, "A" starts walking at 2.5 mph, and some time after, he starts running at 5.3 mph. What is the distance "d" from "A" to "B"'s house, if it took 0.5 hrs. to get there?

Homework Equations



d = vt

The Attempt at a Solution



I splitted this problem in two parts:

First, I call 'x' the distance he traveled walking at 2.5 mph, and t1 the time it took. So,

x = 2.5*t1 ...(1)

Next, the distance he traveled running at 5.3 mph is d - x, and t2 is the time it took him. So

(d - x) = 5.3*t2...(2)

But, since 0.5 hrs = t1 + t2, we substitute on (2) and get

(d - x) = 5.3*(0.5 - t1) ...(3)

Using eq (1) on (3), I get

d - 2.5*t1 = 2.65 - 5.3*t1
d = -2.8*t1 + 2.65

Which is one equation with two variables. I'm stuck there, can you help me please?
 
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Then, we know that...

v_1 = 2.5 mph
v_2 = 5.3 mph

Find the average velocity by using this form:

v_avg = (v_1 + v_2)/2

Now, given that t = 0.5 hrs and the formula x = v * t, find the distance.
 
NasuSama said:
Then, we know that...

v_1 = 2.5 mph
v_2 = 5.3 mph

Find the average velocity by using this form:

v_avg = (v_1 + v_2)/2

Now, given that t = 0.5 hrs and the formula x = v * t, find the distance.

Oh, i didn't know you cuold get the average velocity like that. It's because both velocities are constant, right? Thank you so much.
 
supermiedos said:
Oh, i didn't know you cuold get the average velocity like that. It's because both velocities are constant, right? Thank you so much.

More like it! Hope this helps! Otherwise, if there are some flaws in my work, let me know!
 

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