Brett
Elementary level
Parent

Can you please provide me with the process of answering this question without using formal algebra? My child is struggling with this problem and I cannot seem to explain without using formal algebra. Thanks

Question:

Two snails are 8.5 feet apart. They start to crawl toward each other at the same time. One of them travels at the speed of 6 in. per minute, while the other zips along at 11 inches per minute. How long will it be before the two snails meet?

Brett,

You need to ask yourself how fast the distance between them is shrinking and then you will see the answer.

Penny