Thread: Answer clarification: another race problem.

A can run 1 km in 4 minutes 51 seconds and B in 5 minutes.
How many meters start can A give B in a Km race, so that the race may end in a dead heat?


My answer:

There is a difference of 9 seconds between A and B.
A runs 30.8 meters in 9 sec so A has to give B a start of 30.8 meters.

But the answer says 30 meters. Can any one get 30 meters. Appreciate your help.

Hello, hisajesh!

I had to baby-talk my way through it . . .

can run 1 km in 4 minutes 51 seconds and in 5 minutes.
How many meters start can A give B in a 1 km race, so that the race may end in a dead heat?

Answer: 30 meters.

runs 1000 m in 291 seconds.

runs 1000 m in 300 seconds.
His speed is: .
In 291 seconds, runs only: .

Therefore, should get a 30-meter headstart.

Just wondering why my style of solving gives an extra .8 meters.