Math Problem of the Week - Algebra and Up - Nov. 28, 2021 to Dec. 4, 2021

Algebra and Up: 

Question: A pig and a border collie are competing in a sheep herding competition. When the pig approaches the sheep at a rate of 11 mph, the sheep walk away at a rate of 3 mph. When the border collie chases the sheep at a rate of 25 mph, the sheep run away at a rate of 20 mph. Which animal catches up to the sheep faster?

Answer: The Pig

Solution: The distance between the pig and the sheep closes at a rate of 11 – 3 = 8 miles per hour. The distance between the border collie and the sheep closes by 25 – 20 = 5 miles per hour. Since the distance between the pig and the sheep closes faster than the distance between the border collie and the sheep, the pig catches up faster.