Math Problem Statement

Akshay and Bobby are running on a circular track of radius 147 metres. Bobby can complete a round in 84 seconds and the speed of Akshay is half the speed of Bobby. They started simultaneously towards each other from two points 294 metres diametrically opposite on the circular path. If they first meet at a point which is between the two points from where they started their race, after how much time from the start do they meet at that point for the fifth time?

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to calculate when Akshay and Bobby meet for the fifth time on the circular track.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Calculate Bobby's Speed:

The track's radius is 147147 meters, so the circumference of the circular track is: Circumference=2π×147=294π meters\text{Circumference} = 2 \pi \times 147 = 294 \pi \text{ meters}

Bobby completes one round in 84 seconds. Therefore, his speed is: Speed of Bobby=CircumferenceTime=294π84=3.5π meters/second\text{Speed of Bobby} = \frac{\text{Circumference}}{\text{Time}} = \frac{294 \pi}{84} = 3.5 \pi \text{ meters/second}

2. Calculate Akshay's Speed:

We are told that Akshay's speed is half of Bobby's speed. Thus, Akshay's speed is: Speed of Akshay=12×3.5π=1.75π meters/second\text{Speed of Akshay} = \frac{1}{2} \times 3.5 \pi = 1.75 \pi \text{ meters/second}

3. Combined Relative Speed:

Since they are running towards each other, their combined relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds: Relative Speed=3.5π+1.75π=5.25π meters/second\text{Relative Speed} = 3.5 \pi + 1.75 \pi = 5.25 \pi \text{ meters/second}

4. Initial Distance Between Them:

They start from diametrically opposite points, so the initial distance between them is half the circumference of the track: Initial Distance=Circumference2=294π2=147π meters\text{Initial Distance} = \frac{\text{Circumference}}{2} = \frac{294 \pi}{2} = 147 \pi \text{ meters}

5. Time to First Meeting:

The time for the first meeting is the time it takes for the combined relative speed to cover the initial distance: Time for First Meeting=Initial DistanceRelative Speed=147π5.25π=28 seconds\text{Time for First Meeting} = \frac{\text{Initial Distance}}{\text{Relative Speed}} = \frac{147 \pi}{5.25 \pi} = 28 \text{ seconds}

6. Frequency of Meetings:

They will continue to meet after regular intervals. The time interval between consecutive meetings is when the relative distance they cover equals the circumference of the track. The time for each subsequent meeting is: Time Between Consecutive Meetings=CircumferenceRelative Speed=294π5.25π=56 seconds\text{Time Between Consecutive Meetings} = \frac{\text{Circumference}}{\text{Relative Speed}} = \frac{294 \pi}{5.25 \pi} = 56 \text{ seconds}

Thus, they will meet for the first time at 2828 seconds, and then every 5656 seconds thereafter.

7. Time for Fifth Meeting:

The times for their meetings are as follows:

  • 1st meeting: 2828 seconds
  • 2nd meeting: 28+56=8428 + 56 = 84 seconds
  • 3rd meeting: 84+56=14084 + 56 = 140 seconds
  • 4th meeting: 140+56=196140 + 56 = 196 seconds
  • 5th meeting: 196+56=252196 + 56 = 252 seconds

Thus, Akshay and Bobby will meet for the fifth time after 252 seconds.


Summary:

Akshay and Bobby meet for the fifth time after 252 seconds.


Do you want more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. What would happen if Akshay’s speed was faster than Bobby’s?
  2. How many times would they meet in the first 10 minutes of running?
  3. How would the result change if the track radius was doubled?
  4. Can you generalize a formula to find when they meet for the nn-th time?
  5. How would their meeting pattern change if they ran in the same direction?

Tip: Always check the units of time and speed when calculating motion problems.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Relative Motion
Speed and Time
Circular Motion

Formulas

Circumference = 2 * pi * radius
Speed = Distance / Time
Relative Speed = Speed of Object 1 + Speed of Object 2
Time = Distance / Speed

Theorems

Relative Motion Theorem
Uniform Circular Motion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11