# Math Help - can u help me for this question of algebra

1. ## can u help me for this question of algebra

A moving sidewalk at an airport glides at a rate of 1.2 feet per second. Walking on the moving sidewalk, you travel 160 feet forward in the same time it takes to travel 64 feet in the opposite direction. Find your walking speed on a nonmoving sidewalk. Your Walking speed is ________ feet per second.

2. ## Re: can u help me for this question of algebra

Originally Posted by moonnightingale
A moving sidewalk at an airport glides at a rate of 1.2 feet per second. Walking on the moving sidewalk, you travel 160 feet forward in the same time it takes to travel 64 feet in the opposite direction. Find your walking speed on a nonmoving sidewalk. Your Walking speed is ________ feet per second.

Forward: $(v_s + v_1)t = 160 \text{ .... EQ1}$

Backwards: $v_s t = 64 \text{ .... EQ2}$

You are told that $v_s = 1.2$ and that $t$ is the same in both directions (so that will cancel). Solve for $v_1$

3. ## Re: can u help me for this question of algebra

This gives me the value of v1 as 1.8 ft/sec

4. ## Re: can u help me for this question of algebra

I get 1.8 ft/sec

If the book's answer is 4.2ft/sec then they've used $-v_st = 64$. The minus sign would come from the fact the sidewalk is moving in the opposite direction.

5. ## Re: can u help me for this question of algebra

What i think that 4.2 is most appropriate answer as per scenario
What do u say

6. ## Re: can u help me for this question of algebra

Originally Posted by moonnightingale
What i think that 4.2 is most appropriate answer as per scenario
What do u say
I would be inclined to agree.

7. ## Re: can u help me for this question of algebra

Originally Posted by e^(i*pi)
I would be inclined to agree.
Thanks a lot