To solve the problem of how far the finishing post should be placed so that both A and B finish at the same time, we need to analyze their speeds and the distance involved. Let's break it down step by step.
Understanding the Speed Relationship
We know that A runs 3/4th faster than B. This means if we let B's speed be represented as v, then A's speed can be expressed as:
Speed of A = v + (3/4)v = (7/4)v
Setting Up the Problem
Let's denote the distance that B has to run as d. Since one of them is placed some meters ahead, we can assume that A has a head start of h meters. Therefore, the distance A has to run is:
Distance for A = d - h
Time Taken to Finish
The time taken by both A and B to finish the race can be expressed using the formula:
Time = Distance / Speed
For B, the time taken to finish is:
Time for B = d / v
For A, the time taken is:
Time for A = (d - h) / (7/4)v
Equating the Times
Since we want both A and B to finish at the same time, we can set their times equal to each other:
d / v = (d - h) / (7/4)v
Simplifying the Equation
We can eliminate v from both sides (assuming v is not zero), leading to:
d = (d - h) * (4/7)
Now, let's multiply both sides by 7 to eliminate the fraction:
7d = 4(d - h)
Expanding the right side gives:
7d = 4d - 4h
Rearranging the Equation
Now, we can rearrange the equation to isolate h:
7d - 4d = -4h
3d = -4h
Dividing both sides by -4 gives:
h = -3d / 4
Finding the Finishing Post Distance
Now, we need to determine how far the finishing post should be placed. Since h represents the head start that A has, we can express the total distance to the finishing post for B as:
Finishing Post Distance = d + h
Substituting the value of h we found:
Finishing Post Distance = d - 3d / 4 = d / 4
Final Calculation
Thus, the finishing post should be placed at a distance of:
d / 4 meters ahead of B's starting point for both A and B to finish at the same time.
In summary, by analyzing their speeds and the distance they need to cover, we determined that the finishing post should be set at a quarter of the distance that B has to run, ensuring a fair race where both competitors finish simultaneously.