Meeting point
Malcolm and Nikki run at different speeds. They set off in opposite directions around a circular track. Where on the track will they meet?
Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
Problem
Nikki covers any distance in one third of the time it takes Malcolm to run the same distance.
They set off in opposite directions around the track as shown.
Image
Where will they meet for the first time?
If you liked this problem, here is an NRICH task which challenges you to use similar mathematical ideas.
Student Solutions
Answer: point A
Same distance: Nikki needs $\frac13$ of the time Malcolm needs
Same time: Nikki runs $3$ times further than Malcolm
Distances in ratio Nikki $:$ Malcolm = $3:1$ so they meet at point A