Math Problem of the Week - Algebra and Up - Aug. 29, 2021 to Sept. 4, 2021

Algebra and Up: 

Question: It's 9:31 AM and Alfred is running late for his wedding. He runs 500 yards to catch a taxi, which takes him 12 miles to the church at an average rate of 30 miles per hour. If Alfred makes it to the church exactly on time at 10:00 AM, then what is his average running speed per second or 5 feet per second. 

Answer: 1²/₃ yards per second or 5 feet per second.

Solution:  The taxi travels 12 miles in 24 minutes, and 24 minutes before 10:00 am is 9:36 am, 5 minutes after he starts running. He runs 500 yards in 5 minutes, and since 5 minutes is 300 seconds, that means he runs 500 ÷ 300 = 1²/₃ yards per second, which is equal to 5 feet per second.