Dances runs around a track in sixty seconds. Wolves, running in the opposite direction around the track, meets Dances every twenty seconds. How long does it take for Wolves to run around the track?

-Problem modified from UNL Math Day

If we use the assumption that both Dances and the wolves start at the same time in opposite directions, it should take wolves 30 seconds to make one lap. If, during the first portion of the race Dances meets Wolves after 20 seconds then Dances should be 1/3 of the way around the track and Wolves 2/3. Cut Wolves time in half, add both times, and you get 30 seconds.

Posted by Jeremy on 2002-12-24 11:49:35