Racing

Racing problems involve relating distance, speed, and time for two or more moving objects. The key formula is $d = vt$, where $d$ is distance, $v$ is speed, and $t$ is time. Problems may involve finding when two racers meet (catch up), how much of a head start is needed, or comparing finishing times.

Important properties

• If two racers start at the same time and place, the faster one finishes first.

• If one racer has a head start, the time to catch up is found by setting their distances equal.

• Relative speed is used when racers move toward or away from each other.