rakeshmeher wrote:Two marathon runners are training by running on a 24-mile track that forms a circle around a certain city. Both runners begin at the same spot, running in opposite directions around the track. Runner A completes the entire track in 2 hours; runner B completes it in 3 hours. Assuming that both runners ran at a constant speed, for how many miles did runner A run before he met runner B ?
A and B are running toward each other to cover the 24 miles of the track. So when they meet, their combined distance must be 24 miles.
Since every question on the GMAT is multiple-choice, the easiest approach would be to try each answer choice until you find the one that gives A and B a combined distance of 24 miles.
A's rate is 24/2 = 12 miles/hour.
B's rate is 24/8 = 8 miles/hour.
If we plug in the answer that says A will have covered 14.4 miles:
A's time = 14.4/12 = 1.2 hours
B's distance in 1.2 hours = 8 * 1.2 = 9.6 miles
Since 14.4 + 9.6 = 24 miles, we have found the correct answer. They will meet when A has run 14.4 miles.
Whenever you're stuck, remember that the GMAT is a multiple choice test. The correct answer has to be one of the answer choices. You just need to figure out which one is correct.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at
[email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
