Question

This is a problem on proportions:
2 bugs start from zero on a number line and they move at constant speeds in opposite directions. After 4 sec P reaches 12 and N reaches -8.
a)If x is the point reached by P after t sec and y is the point reached by N after t seconds, express x and y in terms of t.

Answer 1

Please help!

Answer 2

)If x is the point reached by P after t sec
write a proportion
\[ \frac{x}{t} = \frac{12}{4} \]
you can simplify that to
\[ \frac{x}{t} =3 \]
if you multiply both sides by t, and simplify you get
\[ x = 3t \]

Answer 3

Thank you so very much!

Answer 4

Also will y be -2t or +2t ?
Thanks

Answer 5

y = -2t

as a test, they tell us
y is the point reached by N after t seconds, and
after 4 sec N reaches -8

using 4 for t in the equation
y= -2 t we get
y = -2*4 = -8
which matches what they told us.

Answer 6

Thanks again!