Question

Larissa practices for a swimming tournament

She completes her first lap in 31.135 seconds. She completes her second lap 3.129seconds faster than the complete ter

first lap

How many seconds does it take Larissa to complete both laps?

seconds

Answer 1

Larissa takes 59.141 seconds to complete both laps.

Explanation:

The complete time is the sum of time taken on each lap. We translate the two statements into mathematical expressions to determine the required output:

(i) She completes her first lap in 31.135 seconds:

`x_(1) = 31.135\,s`

(ii) She completes her second lap 3.129 seconds faster than the first lap:

`x_(2) = x_(1)-3.129\,s`

`x_(2) = 31.135\,s - 3.129\,s`

`x_(2) = 28.006\,s`

Then, the time taken by Larissa to complete both laps is:

`\Delta x = x_(1) + x_(2)`

`\Delta x = 31.135\,s+28.006\,s`

`\Delta x = 59.141\,s`

Larissa takes 59.141 seconds to complete both laps.