Answer:
32 seconds
Step-by-step explanation:
For some number of seconds (s), Tess's essay length (t) will be ...
t = 42 +1.3s
and Margo's essay length (m) will be ...
m = 122 -1.2s
We will have t > m when ...
t > m
42 +1.3s > 122 -1.2s
2.5s > 80 . . . . . . . . add 1.2s-42
s > 32 . . . . . . . . . . . divide by 2.5
After 32 seconds, Tess's essay will exceed Margo's in length.