Solve Acceleration Problem: Plot Distance vs Time

[estie]

Homework Statement

The maximum deceleration of a car on a dry road is about 8.0 m/s^2.
a. If two cars are moving head-on toward each other at 55 mi/h, and their drivers apply their brakes when they are 85m apart, will they collide?
On the same graph, plot distance versus time for both cars.
Assume x = 0 is the midpoint between the cars and t = 0 when the brakes are applied. Label the position versus time plot of the car with the positive velocity as x_1(t).

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

a. no they will not collide, they will be 10 m apart when they stop.
b. i think...
(0,-42.5) and (3,-5) for x_1(t)
and (0,42.5) and (3,5) for x_2(t)

 

[Delphi51]

I get a little more than 10 - closer to 11 m apart.

 

[estie]

how would part b be solved?

 

[Delphi51]

Use the same d = formula to find the distance at a series of times and plot them on a graph.