Problem finding time, position, and velocity

AI Thread Summary
A bicyclist accelerates from rest at 2.2 m/s² to catch up with a friend traveling at a constant speed of 3.0 m/s. The discussion focuses on using kinematic equations to determine the time it takes for the bicyclist to catch his friend, the distance traveled, and his speed upon catching up. Participants express difficulty in applying the equations correctly and emphasize the importance of labeling initial conditions and understanding the motion of both cyclists. Clarifying the known values and setting up equations for each cyclist's position over time is suggested as a way to solve the problem. The conversation highlights the challenges of combining the equations effectively to find the missing information.
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1. A bicyclist is finishing his repair of a flat tire when his friend rides by at 3.0 m/s. Two seconds later, the bicyclist hops on his bike and accelerates at 2.2m/s^2 until he catches his friend.
A) how much time does it take until he catches his friend?
B) how far had he traveled in this time?
C) what is his speed when he catches up?
2. I have tried using the three equations for velocity and position but hav not came up with anything that is close to correct. I know the values have to work in the equations somehow! :(

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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What are the equations you have used so far? Please write them down. According to the problem data, have you any idea of how to combine them in order to find what is asked?
 
Vf=Vi+AT
Xf=Xi+ViT+1/2AT^2
Vf^2=Vi^2+2A(Xf-Xf)

Vi is the initial velocity
Vf is the final velocity
Xi is the initial position
Xf is the final position
A is acceleration
T is time

I have tried drawing mutiple diagrams and labeling everything I possibly can. I have come up with his starting position as 0 his initial velocity as 0 his acceleration is 2.2m/s^2 I am not given his final position or final velocity. Also his friend has a constant velocity of 3.0m/s so his acceleration is zero. i suppose the 3.0m/s would be his friends initial velocity and his final velocity.
I guess the biggest problem I am having is trying to properly label every thing and be able to plug the values into the equations to figure out the missing information. This problem has had me stumped for hours now.
 
Start by listing the known things at the instant the first cyclist sets off. For example, what is the speed and position of the second cyclist at that instant? Write an equation that predicts his position from that moment onward (that is, start counting time from that instant). Do the same for the second cyclist (the one who is accelerating).
 
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