The problem involves calculating the total distance traveled by John and his sled dogs under varying conditions of speed and number of dogs. The scenario includes a sled journey where 5 dogs initially pull the sled, but 2 escape, resulting in a change of speed and an extended travel time. The original poster seeks clarification on the implications of these changes on the total distance covered.
Participants are actively engaging with the problem, attempting to derive equations based on the information provided. There is recognition of potential misinterpretations of the problem statement, and some participants are exploring different scenarios and their implications on the calculations. While there is no consensus on the correct approach yet, several lines of reasoning are being examined.
There is uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the problem's wording, particularly concerning the timing of the arrival and the implications of the dogs escaping. Participants are also grappling with the assumptions that can be made about the distances covered in relation to the number of dogs and their speeds.
RichardT said:ok, one more thing, how do you assume that the area of H and G equal the area of F and E if only you know that they have the same height. You don't know the widths right? Because since i know that the width of H and G = 36 and the width of F and E equal 24, wouldn't the distances be different??
EDIT: wait that's only assuming he travels 50 km in 24 hours which you can't so how did you get H and G equal to E and F?
RichardT said:Ok so area G and H are equal to area of E and F because area of J = the area of K?