Math Problem Statement

Three runners Anisha, Bimala & Chetana run along a circular path of 12 km long with speeds of 5 km/hr, 7 km/hr, 13 km/hr. They start their race from the same point for the same destination. After how much time, they will meet again?

Solution

To find out after how much time the three runners Anisha, Bimala, and Chetana will meet again at the starting point, we need to calculate the least common multiple (LCM) of the times it takes each runner to complete one full lap around the circular path.

Step-by-step Solution:

1. Time taken by each runner to complete one lap:

The time taken by each runner to complete one lap of the circular path can be calculated using the formula: Time=DistanceSpeed\text{Time} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Speed}} Given:

  • Distance = 12 km (since the circular path is 12 km long)
  • Speeds: Anisha = 5 km/hr, Bimala = 7 km/hr, Chetana = 13 km/hr

Now, let's compute the time for each runner:

  • Time taken by Anisha = 125\frac{12}{5} hours = 2.4 hours
  • Time taken by Bimala = 127\frac{12}{7} hours ≈ 1.71 hours
  • Time taken by Chetana = 1213\frac{12}{13} hours ≈ 0.92 hours

2. Find the LCM of the times:

We need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the times taken by the runners.

To simplify this, let's first express these times as fractions:

  • Anisha: 125\frac{12}{5}
  • Bimala: 127\frac{12}{7}
  • Chetana: 1213\frac{12}{13}

Since they all have a common numerator (12), we can focus on finding the LCM of the denominators: 5, 7, and 13.

The LCM of 5, 7, and 13 (since they are all prime numbers) is simply their product: LCM(5,7,13)=5×7×13=455\text{LCM}(5, 7, 13) = 5 \times 7 \times 13 = 455

Thus, the LCM of the times is: LCM of times=12×4555×7×13=12×91=1092 hours.\text{LCM of times} = \frac{12 \times 455}{5 \times 7 \times 13} = 12 \times 91 = 1092 \text{ hours}.

Therefore, the three runners will meet again after 1092 hours.

Let me know if you'd like further clarification or additional details.


Related Questions:

  1. How would the result change if the speeds were doubled?
  2. What if the circular track was 18 km long instead of 12 km?
  3. How can we determine when only two of the runners will meet again?
  4. How is the LCM of non-integer values calculated?
  5. Can this problem be solved using relative velocities?

Tip:

When solving circular track problems involving LCM, always focus on finding the times for each individual and then compute the LCM for accuracy.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

LCM (Least Common Multiple)
Distance, Speed, and Time
Circular Motion

Formulas

Time = Distance / Speed
LCM of multiple numbers

Theorems

LCM Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12