A boat heads south at 120 mph while a steamer heads east at 50 mph. If they started from the same dock and at the same time, when will the distance between them be 130 mi?

Question

Mathematics

Jeter

1 November, 02:28

A boat heads south at 120 mph while a steamer heads east at 50 mph. If they started from the same dock and at the same time, when will the distance between them be 130 mi?

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Answers (1)

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Aydan Harrison · Answer 1

1 hour after they leave

Step-by-step explanation:

The distance each travels is proportional to its speed. The given speeds are at right angles to each other in a 5:12 ratio. The Pythagorean theorem tells you the hypotenuse of such a right triangle will have length ...

√ (5²+12²) = √169 = 13

That is the speeds are in the ratio 5:12:13, where 13 represents the relative separation speed. Actual speeds are then 50 mph : 120 mph : 130 mph.

So the distance between the boat and steamer will be increasing at 130 mph. The distance will be 130 miles after 1 hour.