Question

The lion and the zebra had a race. The lion gave the zebra a 20-ft head start. The lion ran at an average speed of 10 ft/s, while the zebra ran at an average speed of 7 ft/s. What is the equation to show the distance between the two animals over time?

Answer 1

Generic Formula: `x_t="1/2". at^2 + vo_t + x_0`

Explanation:

In Kinematics, the position in a coordinate system is described as:
`x_t = v.t + x_0` (There is no acceleration mentioned)

In the case of the Lion:
`x_t = 10"(ft/s)" . t +0`;

In the case of the Zebra:
`x_t = 7"(ft/s)" . t +20`;

Distance between the two at any given time:

`Delta x = |7 t +20-10" t|`, or: `Delta x = |20-3 t|` (in ft.)