Racing and Placing

Problem 1: Car A and Car B are in position at the starting line waiting for the go ahead. When the green light flashes, the Car A driver has a reaction time of .450 seconds. Car B’s driver has a reaction time of .470 seconds. As the two cars pass the finish line, the clock shows a time of 4.37 seconds for Car A and 4.35 seconds for Car B.  Who wins the race?

Answer: It’s a tie. (.450 + 4.37 = 4.82 and .470 + 4.35 = 4.82)

 Problem 2:   Following is a list of reaction times and clock (elapsed) times. Use the list to determine the race placings.

Red car: reaction time: .490, clock time: 4.56
Blue car: reaction time: .485, clock time: 4.58
Yellow car: reaction time: .482, clock time: 4.60
Green car: reaction time: .488, clock time: 4.55
White car: reaction time: .499, clock time: 4.54

Answer: First place: green; second place: white; third place: blue; fourth place: red; fifth place: yellow.

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Last Updated: 02/16/03
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