In this problem, "y" represents the integer that must be found or figured for. When a number and a representation are written this way, i.e. "8y", you must mulitply them. If there is more information, you can figure for "y". If there is no other information, "y" is simplied and the end result is "8y".
And I not sure what - 1 is but it might be subtraction.
Curt because if his time was 8/9 of Ian's time then that means he ran the mile in a fraction of Ian's time, so he finished the mile quicker. Curt ran faster.
