- #1
brushman
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Homework Statement
Three small snails are each at a vertex of an equilateral triangle of side 60 cm. The first snail sets out towards the second, the second towards the third, and the third towards the first with a constant speed of 5 cm/min. As they go they always head towards their respective target snail. How much time has elapsed and what distance the snails cover by the time they meet? What is the equation of their path? If the snails are treated as point-masses, how many times does each circle their ultimate meeting point?
The Attempt at a Solution
I'm having trouble starting this problem. I drew all the pictures and have it well visualized. I know the starting speed is 5 cm/min towards the adjacent slug so I drew the vector, and after t = 0 this vector starts changing direction.
I guess I have to use calculus but I don't really know in what way.
Can someone give me a hint on how to start this?
Thanks.