Question

40. Mike has two electric train sets: A and B. Each train is on its own circular track.

He starts both trains at the same time. Train A returns to its starting point every 12
seconds and Train B returns to its starting point every 9 seconds. If the trains
continue traveling, what is the least amount of time, in seconds, that both trains will
arrive at the starting points at the same time? Show your work...

Answer 1

"He starts both trains at the same time. Train A returns to its starting point every 12 seconds and Train B returns to its starting point every 9 seconds". Basically, what you need to do is find the least common multiple. The least common multiple of 12 and 9 is 36, so the least amount of time, in seconds, that both trains will arrive at the starting points at the same time is 36 seconds.