Problem Solving 2 - linear Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a messenger riding between the front and rear of a marching army, with the goal of determining the distance between these two points. The context includes understanding the problem's requirements and setting up the appropriate equations to solve it.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the problem's requirements, specifically questioning what is meant by the "front" and "rear" of the column of soldiers.
  • Another participant clarifies that the front and rear refer to the ends of the column of soldiers and that the objective is to find the length of this column.
  • A participant inquires about how to set up the equation necessary to solve the problem.
  • Another participant suggests considering the messenger's two trips (front to rear and rear to front) and recommends using the relative speed of the messenger and the soldiers to establish the rate for each trip.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the understanding of the problem, as there is confusion expressed by some and clarification attempted by others. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the setup of the equation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the problem's phrasing and the assumptions about the relative speeds of the messenger and the soldiers, which may affect the formulation of the equation.

paulmdrdo1
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here's the other problem.

1. An army of soldiers is marching down a road at 5 mi/hr. A messenger on horseback rides from the front to the rear and returns immediately, the total time taken being 10 minutes. Assuming that the messenger rides at the rate of 10mi/hr, determine the distance from the front to the rear.

I don't understand what's going in the problem. and what is it really requiring to solve. front of what and rear of what?

thanks!
 
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paulmdrdo said:
I don't understand what's going in the problem. and what is it really requiring to solve. front of what and rear of what?
Front and rear of the column of soldiers. You have to find the length of the column.
 
how do I set-up the equation?
 
the messenger took two trips, front-rear and rear-front. Take the relative speed of the messenger and the column of soldiers then use it as the rate of each trip. :o
 

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