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Need help with simple math problem. (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 months ago by Donatello@lemmy.ml to c/math@lemmy.ml

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Hi,

I found online a nice (and seemed easy) math problem.

Rocket A travel from Mars to Earth in 200 days
Rocket B travel from Earth to Mars in 150 days, but take off 30 days later

When they cross each other, which one is the closet to the earth ?

So they give a "flat" answer, without giving any explanation on how they reach this conclusion.

What would be your simplest Mathematical solution for this ?

Thanks.

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[–] MrJameGumb@lemmy.world 10 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Maybe I read it wrong. I don't see how math is necessary at all. If the two ships "cross" each other it means they're at the same point in space right? Or like right next to each other? So they're both the same distance from earth aren't they? Am I about to get woooshed? Lol

Edit: Upon re reading the question I realize it actually says "which one is the closet to Earth."

I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that one...

[–] Donatello@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 month ago

@MrJameGumb@lemmy.world No you were right at first ! the question is

When they cross each other, which one is the closet to the earth ?

So indeed when they cross they are the same point in space (more or less otherwise it's a collision :) ) so if they are at the same point the are at the same distance to Earth... :)