Math Problem Statement

Brinda and Shama run in opposite directions on a circular track, starting at diametrically opposite points. They first meet after Brinda has run 100 meters They next meet after Shama has run 150 meters past their first meeting point Each girl runs at a constant speed . Find the sum of the digits of length of the track in metres.

20

14

08

02

Solution

To solve this problem, let's denote the length of the circular track as LL meters, the speed of Brinda as vBv_B meters per second, and the speed of Shama as vSv_S meters per second.

Step 1: First Meeting Point

Brinda and Shama start from diametrically opposite points and run towards each other. When they first meet, Brinda has run 100 meters. Since they start from diametrically opposite points, the total distance covered by both is half the track's length: Distance covered by Brinda+Distance covered by Shama=L2\text{Distance covered by Brinda} + \text{Distance covered by Shama} = \frac{L}{2} Thus, the distance covered by Shama is: Distance covered by Shama=L2100(Equation 1)\text{Distance covered by Shama} = \frac{L}{2} - 100 \quad \text{(Equation 1)}

Step 2: Second Meeting Point

For their second meeting, they run towards each other again. If Shama has run 150 meters past their first meeting point, the total distance Shama has covered by the time they meet for the second time is: Distance covered by Shama=L2100+150=L2+50\text{Distance covered by Shama} = \frac{L}{2} - 100 + 150 = \frac{L}{2} + 50 In this case, the total distance covered by both is the full track's length: Distance covered by Brinda+Distance covered by Shama=L\text{Distance covered by Brinda} + \text{Distance covered by Shama} = L Thus, the distance covered by Brinda during the second meeting is: Distance covered by Brinda=L(L2+50)=L250(Equation 2)\text{Distance covered by Brinda} = L - \left(\frac{L}{2} + 50\right) = \frac{L}{2} - 50 \quad \text{(Equation 2)}

Step 3: Speed Ratios

The ratios of the distances covered by Brinda and Shama between the first and second meeting should be consistent because both run at constant speeds. From Equation 1 and Equation 2: 100L250=L2100150\frac{100}{\frac{L}{2} - 50} = \frac{\frac{L}{2} - 100}{150}

Step 4: Solve for LL

We can solve this equation to find the value of LL. Start by cross-multiplying: 100×150=(L250)×(L2100)100 \times 150 = \left(\frac{L}{2} - 50\right) \times \left(\frac{L}{2} - 100\right) This simplifies to: 15000=(L250)(L2100)15000 = \left(\frac{L}{2} - 50\right)\left(\frac{L}{2} - 100\right) Expand the product on the right side: 15000=L2475L+500015000 = \frac{L^2}{4} - 75L + 5000 Multiply the entire equation by 4 to eliminate the fraction: 60000=L2300L+2000060000 = L^2 - 300L + 20000 Bring all terms to one side: L2300L40000=0L^2 - 300L - 40000 = 0

Step 5: Solve the Quadratic Equation

We can solve this quadratic equation using the quadratic formula: L=b±b24ac2aL = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} Where a=1a = 1, b=300b = -300, and c=40000c = -40000: L=300±90000+1600002L = \frac{300 \pm \sqrt{90000 + 160000}}{2} L=300±2500002L = \frac{300 \pm \sqrt{250000}}{2} L=300±5002L = \frac{300 \pm 500}{2} This gives us two possible solutions: L=8002=400orL=2002=100(not feasible since length cannot be negative)L = \frac{800}{2} = 400 \quad \text{or} \quad L = \frac{-200}{2} = -100 \quad (\text{not feasible since length cannot be negative}) Thus, L=400L = 400 meters.

Step 6: Sum of the Digits of the Track Length

The length of the track is 400 meters, and the sum of its digits is: 4+0+0=44 + 0 + 0 = 4

Therefore, the sum of the digits of the length of the track is 4\boxed{4}.


Would you like any further details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. If Brinda had run 150 meters instead of 100 meters, what would the length of the track be?
  2. How would the solution change if they started from the same point instead of diametrically opposite points?
  3. What is the ratio of Brinda's speed to Shama's speed?
  4. If the track was 600 meters long, how long would it take for their first and second meetings?
  5. How would the time intervals between meetings change if one runner was twice as fast as the other?

Tip: When solving problems involving relative motion, breaking the problem down into individual segments and equating distances or speeds often simplifies the analysis.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Relative Motion

Formulas

Distance = Speed x Time
Quadratic equation: ax^2 + bx + c = 0
Sum of digits formula

Theorems

Quadratic Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12