Simple Velocity Problem: Solving for Time with Two Traveling Cars

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SUMMARY

The problem involves calculating the time it takes for a car traveling at 60.0 km/h to catch up with another car traveling at 40.0 km/h, with an initial distance of 125 meters between them. The correct solution indicates that it takes 22.5 seconds for the faster car to close the gap, contrary to an incorrect calculation of 6.25 seconds. The key to solving this problem is to analyze it from the reference frame of the slower car, effectively simplifying the velocity difference to 20 km/h. This approach clarifies the calculation of time required to cover the initial distance.

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Homework Statement


How long does it take an automobile traveling 60.0 km/h to become even with a car that is traveling in another lane at 40.0 km/h if the cars' front bumpers are initially 125 m apart?

Homework Equations


[tex]v_{average} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I'll just give an explanation because it seems like a pretty simple problem. I'm just getting a different answer than the book. Here goes:
I set the distance for the 60km/h car to d+125m since it has to travel the same distance as the 40km/h car plus the extra 125m that it had to catch up. Then I solved them for the variable (d) and set the 2 equations equal to each other, and then finished solving for time.
I ended up with: 6.25 seconds The book says it takes: 22.5 seconds
the books answer seems wrong to me... can anyone verify this, or let me know what I did wrong? Thank you.
 
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22.5 s is correct; I'm not sure what went wrong with your calculations.. they sound about right.
The easiest way to do this: imagine that the 40 km/h car is stationary (move to its reference frame), initially 125 m from the 60 km/h car.
What velocity is the 60 km/h car going in this new reference frame (hint: what's the difference in their velocities).
How long will it take to close the 125m distance at that speed?
 
I was getting the units wrong. Thanks for you help.
 
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