Rugby Player Problem: Solve for Time to Tackle

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Two rugby players are 37 meters apart, with one accelerating from rest at 0.5 m/s² and the other moving at a constant speed of 3.1 m/s. The problem requires determining the time until they tackle each other. To solve it, one must write equations for the distance covered by each player as a function of time and then calculate the separation distance. There is confusion regarding the use of "function of time," with some preferring linear kinematics equations instead. The discussion highlights the need for clearer explanations of the mathematical approach to solve the problem.
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Homework Statement


two rugby players are running toward each other. They are 37 m apart. if one accelerates from rest at 0.5m/s2 and the other was already moving at 3.1 m/s and maintains his speed,

a) How long before they tackle each other?


This question is annoying me so much right now, I found 2 archived solutions to the problem, but they don't explain in enough detail, so I'm just re-posting it so that I may know how to solve it.
 
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badsniper said:

Homework Statement


two rugby players are running toward each other. They are 37 m apart. if one accelerates from rest at 0.5m/s2 and the other was already moving at 3.1 m/s and maintains his speed,

a) How long before they tackle each other?This question is annoying me so much right now, I found 2 archived solutions to the problem, but they don't explain in enough detail, so I'm just re-posting it so that I may know how to solve it.
Write out the equation for distance covered by each runner as a function of time. Then write out the equation for separation as a function of those distances ie: s = 37 - (d1(t) + d2(t)). What is the value of s when they collide? Work out t from that.

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Write out the equation for distance covered by each runner as a function of time. Then write out the equation for separation as a function of those distances ie: s = 37 - (d1(t) + d2(t)). What is the value of s when they collide? Work out t from that.

AM

Sorry, but I don't understand what you mean by "Function of time", or function of distances, I was attempting to solve it using the linear kinematics equations.
 

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