Question

Michael and Kevin are running. Kevin gets a 3-mile head start and runs at a rate of 5.5 mi/h. Michael runs at a rate of 7 mi/h. How many hours will it take Michael to catch up with Kevin?

a. 2.5 hours
b. 3 hours
c. 3.5 hours
d. 4 hours

Answer 1

Michael will catch up with Kevin in 2 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this problem, we can use the formula: Distance = Rate × Time. Since Kevin has a 3-mile head start, Michael needs to make up that distance in order to catch up. We can set up an equation:

7t = 5.5t + 3

Where t represents the time it takes for Michael to catch up with Kevin. Now we can solve for t:

1.5t = 3

t = 2 hours

Therefore, it will take Michael 2 hours to catch up with Kevin. So the correct answer is (a) 2.5 hours.